BoxRec

BS.com has been advised that WBC super middleweight champion David Benavidez came up positive for cocaine in connection to a random drug test administered by VADA [Voluntary Anti-Doping Association] on August 27th.

The random test was given to Benavidez as part of his enrollment in the World Boxing Council's Clean Boxing Program.

At the moment, Benavidez has not signed a contract to fight in the coming months - which means his punishment will be limited to an undetermined fine from the WBC.

Sources have advised BS that Benavidez came up clean in all of his past tests - which indicates that his recent failure is likely an isolated incident.

Benavidez is still scheduled to fight again before the year is over.

Attempts to reach Benavidez's promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, were unsuccessful.
Benavidez (20-0, 17 KOs) is bound to make a mandatory defense against top contender Anthony Dirrell (32-1-1, 24 KOs).

On May 21, the World Boxing Council had ordered them to fight, and a purse bid, scheduled for June, was canceled after both sides reached a deal.

Their fight was initially targeted for this month.

He should be banned?

Cocaine isn’t a PED?

I remember one of Tyson’s fight’s being declared a No Contest because he tested positive for Weed.

David Benavidez Makes No Excuses, Apologizes For Failed Test

On Tuesday, BS.com first reported that WBC super middleweight champion David Benavidez came up positive for cocaine in connection to a random drug test administered by VADA [Voluntary Anti-Doping Association] on August 27th.

The random test was given to Benavidez as part of his enrollment in the World Boxing Council's Clean Boxing Program.

The sanctioning body is likely going to fine Benavidez. Because the substance in question is a recreational drug, a suspension may not be needed.

Benavidez is not making any excuses and apologized for the incident.

"I would like to sincerely apologize to the WBC for my actions. I am embarrassed to have this happen. And to my all my fans that I lost the respect of, I know a lot of people won’t see me the same but I am young and it was a mistake on my behalf," Benavidez said.

Let him fight. And let him take the traditional route of high-profiles by quickly committing himself to rehab.

He's only hurting himself.