By Jake Donovan
Fringe featherweight contender Gilberto Sanchez-Leon was given a nine-month suspension for testing positive for steroids prior to his May 1 fight with Eloy Perez.
The suspension is backdated from the night of the fight, which means he will not be eligible to re-apply for a license anywhere in the United States until on or after February 1, 2011. He also received a fine equivalent to 35% of his purse from the fight.
A pre-fight urinalysis provided by Sanchez-Leon (29-7-2, 9KO) showed anabolic agent Nandrolone Metabolite in his system. The result surfaced after his fight, in which he lost a majority decision to Perez on the non-televised portion of the Floyd Mayweather-Shane Mosley pay-per-view telecast.
The explanation offered was that he claims to have felt ill prior to the fight, and received a shot. Sanchez-Leon believes that whatever was in the shot was the reason he tested positive.
“I’ve never had any problems with any drugs. I’ve fought many fights in the United States, and never tested positive. The shot I took in the pharmacy must’ve contained the drug found in my system, but I am prepared for whatever action you feel is necessary.”
A letter was submitted to the Nevada State Athletic Commission on May 10 by Sanchez-Leon.
Sanchez-Leon claims to have received two shots, but the letter provided to the commission suggests that medicine was orally taken.
The ruling was handed down immediately after Sanchez-Leon was given the opportunity to plead his case through means of an interpreter.
A 12-year veteran, Sanchez-Leon has fought 14 times in the United States. All seven of his career losses have taken place in the states.
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com and an award-winning member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Contact Jake at JakeNDaBox@gmail.com.
