Molina handed two-year ban

Boxer Eric Molina has been handed a two-year ban from all sport after testing positive for dexamethasone following his fight with Anthony Joshua in December 2016.

The American took an in-competition test after a third-round knockout defeat to Joshua, with positive results for the prohibited substance.

Molina had already been handed a provisional suspension in October, and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has now confirmed that he will be banned for two years, with the sanction backdated to the start of that temporary sentence.

UKAD chief Nicole Sapstead said: "Every athlete is solely responsible for what is in their system and must adhere to the strict liability principle.

"All athletes at any level should familiarise themselves with the WADA Prohibited List and ensure they do not put themselves in a position where they may breach anti-doping regulations."

BAN | American boxer Eric Molina has been suspended from all sport for a period of two years following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV).

Full judgement https://t.co/wKaUz6GU0A pic.twitter.com/mP4lJU3sgB

— UK Anti-Doping (@ukantidoping) May 22, 2018

Molina had accepted the charge late last year but hoped to challenge the two-year ban.

The 36-year-old had been set to face Mariusz Wach this week, having fought twice since the Joshua bout.

 

 

Photo Getty Images. Caption: Suspended boxer Eric Molina