by David P. Greisman

The astronomical $900,000 fine that had been imposed on Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. after he tested positive for marijuana after his fight last year with Sergio Martinez has been dropped down to $100,000.

The change was made as part of a settlement agreement between Chavez’s camp and the Nevada Athletic Commission, and favored unanimously by the commissioners at their June 28 hearing.

The agreement came about in part due to the World Anti-Doping Agency easing its restrictions on marijuana use, commission Chairman Bill Brady said during the hearing. Several headlines earlier this year also noted that Chavez's team was prepared to fight the fine through litigation.

The terms of the agreement call for Chavez to pay $100,000 on or before the date of his next bout. He has already served the entirety of his 9-month suspension, which dates back to Sept. 15, 2012. Chavez must also provide the commission with a negative urine test when he files for his next boxing license with the state.

Chavez lost the fight by unanimous decision, though he did hurt and knock down Martinez in the final round. Chavez, 27, suffered his first pro defeat in that bout and is now 46-1-1 with 32 knockouts and 1 no contest.

That no contest comes from Chavez’s first positive test for a banned substance in Nevada; he was caught using a banned diuretic for his 2009 bout with Troy Rowland.

David P. Greisman is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow David on Twitter @fightingwords2 or send questions/comments via email at fightingwords1@gmail.com