Press Release
California State Athletic Commission Suspends License of Fighter
Antonio Tarver
Professional boxer tested positive for anabolic steroid in June 1, 2012 test
June 22, 2012
The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) has suspended the license of professional boxer Antonio Tarver, and has fined him $2,500 as the result of a positive test for a banned substance.
Mr. Tarver's June 1, 2012 drug test came back positive for drostanolone metabolites. CSAC learned of the test results June 19, 2012 and suspended Mr. Tarver's license, with the suspension applied retroactively to June 1, 2012. In accordance with Rule 368, the result of his last fight between Lateef Kayode will be changed to a "No Decision".
"Our primary concern is for the health and safety of fighters," said CSAC Executive Officer George Dodd. "Anabolic agents and other banned substances put not only the users of those agents at risk, but their opponents as well. The commission simply will not tolerate their use."
The use of certain substances, including anabolic steroids, is prohibited under the Commission's regulations, and CSAC has among the toughest drug testing standards of any Athletic Commission in the country. It is one of the few commissions that requires urine samples to be taken in the presence of a commission representative prior to a bout.
Tarver's provision of a urine sample was observed by a CSAC representative and the sample was sent to the World Anti-doping Agency test facility at the University of California, Los Angeles. Tarver has the right to appeal the suspension of his license.
