Once-beaten junior welterweight contender Ryan Martin has been suspended for four years by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) on Wednesday after testing positive for prohibited substances last year.
According to UKAD, Martin tested positive for the presence of androsterone and etiocholanone, which are metabolites of testosterone, following a a test in connection to his World Boxing Super Series clash against Josh Taylor in Glasgow on Nov. 3, 2018.
Because the fight occurred under the sanction of the British Boxing Board of Control, the 26-year-old was subject to the national body's anti-doping regulations and was charged with an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) as a result of the positive test. He also tested positive as part f VADA's testing program in connection to the WBC's Clean Boxing Program.
The ban is going to expire on November 2, 2022. Martin has the right to appeal UKAD's decision.
"Androsterone and etiocholanone are listed under section S1.1(b) of the WADA 2018 prohibited list as 'endogenous anabolic androgenic steroids (list of metabolites and isomers) when administered exogenously'," UKAD said in a statement https://www.ukad.org.uk/news/professional-boxer-martin-banned-four-years.
"Exogenous testosterone, androsterone and etiocholanone are all non-specified substances prohibited at all times."
UKAD indicated that Martin's ban would run until midnight on Nov. 2, 2022 and the boxer has the right to appeal the decision.
Martin had told the testing organization in March that he did not intentionally ingest testosterone and believes the metabolites in his sample could have been due to contaminated supplements.
"With the number of cases we are currently seeing where an athlete is claiming their failed test is due to contaminated supplements, it's vital all athletes check... any supplements they plan to use," UKAD chief executive Nicole Sapstead said.
"UKAD would always promote a food-first approach to nutrition. Where supplements are deemed a requirement, the ingredients should be checked against the WADA prohibited list and the supplement itself checked on Informed Sport. If in any doubt, it is simply not worth the risk."
