Swansea boxer Enzo Maccarinelli so sorry for doping breach
SWANSEA’S former world boxing champion Enzo Maccarinelli last night issued an apology, admitting he was naive to take a ‘fat burning’ product that led to him being suspended for six months by UK Anti-Doping.
The 31-year-old tested positive for methylhexaneamine (MHA) on March 23 after beating Shane McPhilbin to win the British Cruiserweight title.
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Enzo Maccarinelli
And after news of his ban was made public yesterday, Maccarinelli issued a statement explaining that he had purchased the dietary product from a combat magazine and said he was unaware that it contained a banned substance.
He also stated he “would never cheat or cut corners”, is not appealing the punishment and has since voluntarily given up his title.
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The statement read: “Following my fight against Shane McPhilbin in March, I was extremely surprised and disturbed to have tested positive for a banned substance known as methylhexaneamine.
“I purchased a product called Dexaprine that contained this banned substance from a combat magazine. The advert stated that it was an approved substance and I checked the ingredients which had no reference to any banned substance that I was aware of. In fact, it also stated that it was suitable for athletes.
“I have since found out that this ‘fat burner’ contained a substance and consequently I failed a dope test, albeit with a very low reading.
“I wish to state that this substance was in no way used to gain any advantage in the ring or enhance my performance and whilst I appreciate that it may look that way, I would certainly never cheat or cut corners in my preparation.
“I have been tested more than 20 times in my career and have never failed any random or post-fight doping test, but on this occasion, due to my naivety, I have tested positive for a banned substance.
“I was contacted by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and helped them with their investigations, where I gave them both the product that I had taken, the container and also the advert from which I ordered these supplements.
“The explanation I gave which is reflected accurately in their formal decision is evidence that my intention was not to knowingly take a banned substance or to gain an unfair advantage in competition.
“I am very conscious of my reputation within the sport of boxing and even prior to the decision, that has been released today, I promised to fully accept any punishment that was given as a result of this positive test.
“I voluntarily vacated my British Cruiserweight championship so to allow my opponent, Shane McPhilbin, the opportunity to re-challenge for it while I serve my six months’ suspension, as I could not bear the thought of holding such a prestigious championship if anyone thought that I hadn’t won it fairly.
Supplements
“I have volunteered to assist UKAD in any way I can to prevent other boxers or sportsmen from being put in the same situation as I currently find myself in due to the availability of what appear to be perfectly legitimate supplements and manufacturers not making it clear on their products that they contain banned substances.
“UKAD have accepted my offer and I am determined to ensure, along with the British Boxing Board of Control that the awareness of such supplements is enhanced and others do not have to face the humiliation that I now have to.
“I would like to thank UKAD for their understanding and support in this matter and their punishment which I hope reflects the honesty in which I approached this situation.
“I would further like to thank Robert Smith of the BBBofC for his support and apologise to everyone involved in boxing.”
UK Anti-Doping chief executive Andy Parkinson said: “This is a timely reminder that athletes must exercise extreme caution over what they put into their body.”
Comments
by Hadoken999
Thursday, July 19 2012, 1:52PM
“Been saying this for a while but its time to call it a day.
He's a nice guy and I believe him about this being a mistake, but the last few years have been a disaster for Enzo, even his recent "win" when he was on the brink of being knocked out was cut short by over 45 seconds when someone rung the bell. I mean come on..
Enzo would not have lasted another 20 seconds, and this is the opinion of someone local. so you can imagine how little credibility the guy now has across the country.
The sad thing about enzo is, he's desperate to relclaim former glory cos no fighter wants to be remembered as a loser, but thats what happened to him, but the longer he stays in the game, the worse it gets for him. This isn't rocky enzo, if you were gonna turn things around you would have done so by now.
When he's not getting knocked out, he's "winning" fights by someone saving him from knockout by ringing the bell early, and now this, the warning signs have been there for ages.
Now he's just a has been who too young to retire and doesn't know how to do anything else.
I wish I could say it will turn out ok for him, but the the downward spiral has been constant and consistent.
Just give it up, get a job casting, or in a gym, you doubtless have a lot to offer up to a certain level, but to be honest the longer you carry on, the more damage you're doing to yourself and any future you might have had outside the ring.”