James Toney Tests Positive For Steroids, What This Means For Boxing

According to well known boxing writer Wallace Matthews, it was confirmed by the New York State Athletic Commission that James Toney has tested postive for anabolic steroids following his history making win over WBA champion John Ruiz. Apparently, James Toney tested positive for nandrolone (also known commercially as Deca-Durabolin). Nandrolone is a muscle-building chemical which occurs naturally in the human body, in tiny quantities and helps increase muscle mass. Nandrolone has become popular with athletes because is doesn't carry some of the less desirable side-effects such as increased body hair or aggressive behavior. It should be noted that several scientific studies have suggested that a combination of dietary supplements (none of which contain a banned substance) and exercise, can result in a positive nandrolone test. The theory behind the findings is that there is a link between heavy training, dehydration as a result from training, and their effects upon the components of high protein diets. James Toney would definitely fall into the category of a fighter engaging in a heavy amount of weight training and high protein diets. Toney also shed off plenty of pounds prior to his meeting with John Ruiz in a very short amount of time which could suggest that Toney was heavily dehydrating his body. details]