On Tuesday, BoxingScene.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.

Benavidez (20-0, 17 KOs) is still waiting for a date and venue for 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.

Last year, Benavidez and Dirrell were scheduled to fight each other for the vacant WBC title - but Dirrell withdrew with an injury, and he was later replaced by Ronald Gavril.

Dirrell holds the number 2 ranking under the WBC. Callum Smith, who is part of the World Boxing Super Series tournament, is ranked at 1.

Dirrell previously held the WBC title and lost the belt by way of a close twelve round majority decision to Badou Jack in April of 2015.

Since that loss, he's won five fights in a row - with a dominating decision earlier this year over Abraham Han.

Benavidez retained his world title back in February, when he won a dominant twelve round decision in his rematch with Ronald Gavril.