WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has announced that a hard-hitting world champion has failed a voluntary doping test ahead of his scheduled return to the ring.
It has been reported that the reigning WBC world super-lightweight champion Subriel Matias has produced an adverse finding of the banned substance Ostarine in a recent test conducted by VADA.
The 33-year-old from Puerto Rico is scheduled to make the maiden defence of his WBC title against unbeaten British star Dalton Smith on Saturday January 10 at the Barclays Center in New York City.
As revealed in a social media post, Sulaiman confirmed that an investigation is now underway to determine exactly how the substance entered the Puerto Rican’s system.
“The WBC has received confirmation from VADA about an adverse finding from a test performed by WBC Superlightweight champion Subriel Matias.
The WBC has begun the investigation process as per the Clean Boxing Program protocol.
I have spoken to our champion Subriel and his Promoter Mr Orengo, and they have expressed their absolute availability and cooperation as the process unfolds.
The WBC will not make any further comments at this time.”
Whilst the situation surrounding Matias’ status as champion remains unclear, it has been suggested that the 33-year-old could be stripped in the coming weeks, meaning Smith could be called to fight for the vacant title instead.
It could lead to Smith going up against Alberto Puello, who is the next highest rated contender with the WBC and lost a majority decision verdict to Matias back in July.
