SA champ hit by drugs ban
Boxing | South Africa
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SA champ hit by drugs ban
This was announced on Tuesday by the SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport.
Illegal substances were found in Molefe's urine sample, which was taken by the institute's officials on May 29 this year, after a title fight in East London.
Molefe stopped Simphiwe Tom in the second round to win the vacant SA title. The fight at the Orient Theatre ended 1 minute 40 seconds into the round. The new champion improved his record to 11-1, with 8 knockouts.
Khalid Galant, CEO of the Institute, said Molefe had tested positive for metabolites of the anabolic agent Nandrolone.
Statistics show anabolic steroid use among boxers is becoming a trend.
Galant said drug abuse by professional boxers was becoming rife, with four positive tests out of 87 reported for the period April 2010 to March 2011.
Because of the number of “adverse analytical findings we have experienced in boxing over the past two to three years” testing of and anti-doping education to professional boxers had been stepped up.
“Boxing combines high-level co-ordination of gross motor skills with speed and strength. By focusing on illegal performance gains from steroids and ignoring the consequences that a doping ban can have, boxers are placing their championship status and earning potential at risk.”
Galant said the promised performance gains of certain supplements and steroids had little bearing on improved boxing skills.
“Boxers are not only increasing their risk, but are also wasting their money. We hope boxers will learn from these doping bans that champions are made through hard work in the gym.”
The Institute has introduced a national anti-doping outreach programme in partnership with Boxing SA. The intention is to educate boxers about the dangers and risks of taking prohibited substances.
More information about the institute can be found on www.drugfreesport.org.za
http://www.supersport.com/boxing/south-africa/news/111025/SA_champ_hit_by_drugs_ban
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