There are no anabolic agents involved, and he believes he may have taken his wife’s medication by mistake.
That is the basis upon which IBO cruiserweight champion Kevin Lerena intends fighting a positive test for doping.
The WBC announced on Twitter on Wednesday that Lerena had tested positive after the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) had tested him on October 18 in Johannesburg.
“BREAKING NEWS: Boxer Kevin Lerena tested positive in a test by @Vada_Testing done in October 18, in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Clean Boxing Program protocol will now begin.”
BREAKING NEWS: Boxer Kevin Lerena tested positive in a test by @Vada_Testing done in October 18, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Clean Boxing Program protocol will now begin. #WBC #Boxing #CBP #CleanBoxing pic.twitter.com/Edqcv0A6lA
— World Boxing Council (@WBCBoxing) November 7, 2018
But Lerena first said on Twitter and later in a statement from Golden Gloves Promotions that he is recovering from a July shoulder operation, and that he had posted the fact that he was being tested on his social media platforms.
06h00 wake up call this morning from @Vada_Testing Anti-Doping. Clean drug free sport for the @WBCBoxing clean boxing program #CleanSport #AntiDoping #DrugFreeSport pic.twitter.com/JTbWkgxO5v
— Kevin Lerena (@Kevin_Ko_Lerena) October 18, 2018
“I’ve worked too long & too hard to throw away my career by doping. I’ll be fighting this VADA charge harder than any of my fights. I believe in fighting clean. I’d never put my career in jeopardy this way. I will clear my name, no matter what it takes. Thanks 4 your support,” Lerena said on Twitter.
I’ve worked too long & too hard to throw away my career by doping. I’ll be fighting this VADA charge harder than any of my fights. I believe in fighting clean. I’d never put my career in jeopardy this way. I will clear my name, no matter what it takes. Thanks 4 your support. pic.twitter.com/9QBDtCaPkW
— Kevin Lerena (@Kevin_Ko_Lerena) November 7, 2018
In the statement, he explained that his wife Gina has a prescription that contains the metabolite identified in the positive dope test, which he assumes he may have mistakenly ingested.
Lerena added: “I’m devastated by this news. If I’m guilty of anything, it’s carelessness. I’ll be fighting the charge, for sure.
“There are no anabolic agents whatsoever. I endorse what they are trying to do, and would never knowingly take a banned substance.
“I am in post-op recovery, so it would be daft to be using anabolic agents or growth hormone. Why would I be seeking an advantage now when I’m only fighting around March again?”
An explanation has been forwarded to all relevant parties,which will clarify & resolve the matter. I will fight this until the bitter end https://t.co/USVXq2gNwa
— Kevin Lerena (@Kevin_Ko_Lerena) November 7, 2018
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