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Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez has long been heralded as the future of boxing, and he has not only met those lofty expectations but exceeded them spectacularly. His dominance in the sport is undeniable, as he has an outstanding record of 65 fights and only two losses. Over the years, Canelo has faced off against some of the biggest names in boxing, including Gennady Golovkin, Caleb Plant, and many others. He has consistently defeated elite fighters, many of whom have impressive track records.
However, despite his remarkable achievements, Canelo found himself at the center of a significant controversy when he tested positive for steroids just weeks before one of the most anticipated fights of his career, igniting heated debates throughout the boxing community.
The Clenbuterol Controversy
The controversy arose when Canelo, a celebrated Mexican boxer, prepared for his highly anticipated rematch with his arch-rival Gennady Golovkin. During his training camp in Guadalajara, Mexico, he tested positive for trace amounts of clenbuterol, a banned substance. This substance had previously been detected in several Mexican athletes’ tests, often attributed to contaminated meat in the country.
In Mexico, clenbuterol is sometimes used illegally in livestock to increase lean muscle mass, leading to accidental exposure for those consuming local meat. Canelo, seemingly caught off guard by this situation, accepted responsibility for the incident and openly acknowledged his oversight, stating:
“I don’t want to get anyone else involved. This was my mistake for not reading up on the risks and not researching more about what’s happening with the beef in Mexico. But I didn’t do anything intentionally. I didn’t do anything to try to enhance my performance. I would never do anything like that.”
This admission sparked a firestorm of debate within the boxing world, with critics and fans alike questioning the legitimacy of his accomplishments. Some viewed it as a blight on his otherwise stellar career, while others accepted his explanation of accidental contamination.
Suspension and Impact on His Career
- NSAC handed Canelo a six-month suspension after his positive clenbuterol test.
- The suspension postponed his rematch with Gennady Golovkin, originally set for May 5, 2018.
- Critics questioned if the punishment was lenient for such a high-profile fighter.
- Golovkin publicly accused Canelo of being a “dirty fighter” after the incident.
- The scandal temporarily tarnished Canelo’s reputation and legacy.
- The suspension and public backlash disrupted Canelo’s career momentum.
- He returned to the ring in September 2018, seeking to redeem his image.
Public and Professional Reactions
- Fellow Boxers: Some boxers, like Golovkin, harshly criticized Canelo, accusing him of deliberately using banned substances. Others were more sympathetic, accepting the explanation of the contamination of meat.
- Sports Analysts: Analysts were divided. Some doubted the legitimacy of Canelo’s achievements, while others believed the incident was an unfortunate mistake. Discussions about drug testing policies in boxing intensified.
- Fans: Fans were also split. While some defended Canelo, citing the prevalence of contaminated meat in Mexico, others saw the positive test as damaging his legacy.
- Impact on Canelo’s Image: The controversy created a lasting stain on his reputation. Although he continued to perform well, the scandal raised lingering doubts about his accomplishments, casting a shadow over his career despite his attempts to move forward.
Steroid Testing in Boxing: Regulations and Risks
- Overview of Testing: Professional boxing follows strict anti-doping regulations set by organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and local commissions. Testing is done both before and after fights to detect banned substances.
- Monitoring Athletes: Boxers are subject to random drug tests during training camps and competitions. Urine and blood samples are collected to screen for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) like steroids and stimulants.
- Consequences of Testing Positive: Boxers who test positive face suspensions, fines, and disqualification from upcoming fights. Their reputation and career can suffer long-term damage. In severe cases, fighters may lose titles or be permanently banned from the sport.
- Risks of Non-compliance: Even accidental ingestion of banned substances, such as through contaminated supplements or food, can lead to severe penalties. Boxers are held fully responsible for what enters their system, heightening the risks of unintentional doping.
Canelo’s Comeback
- Canelo returned to the ring in September 2018 after serving his suspension.
- He won a thrilling rematch against Gennady Golovkin, restoring his credibility.
- Canelo secured multiple titles in different weight divisions after the controversy.
- He defeated top fighters like Daniel Jacobs and Sergey Kovalev post-suspension.
- His victories solidified his status as one of boxing’s pound-for-pound best.
- Canelo’s work ethic and performance helped rebuild his tarnished reputation.
- Fans gradually embraced his comeback, focusing on his in-ring dominance.
- Endorsements and sponsorships rebounded as he regained public support.
- He became the undisputed super middleweight champion, further boosting his legacy.
- Canelo’s continued success silenced many critics of the steroid scandal.
Aftermath
Nevertheless, Canelo faced Golovkin in a highly anticipated rematch, ultimately winning by a majority decision that further solidified their rivalry as one of the most memorable in modern boxing history.
Despite the controversy, Canelo’s victory over Golovkin underscored his resilience and ability to perform under immense pressure. It also highlighted his commitment to clearing his name and proving that his success was not the result of performance-enhancing drugs.
Today, Canelo remains one of the sport’s most prominent figures, continuing to forge a legacy defined by both triumph and controversy.
