Mexican boxer Mauricio Lara on Wednesday was handed a two-year ban for anti-doping violations, Afrosport reports.
The former featherweight world champion tested positive for the banned substance betamethasone on 28 May 2023 following his loss to Leigh Wood at the Manchester Arena.
The UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) banned the use of the drug in competition.
Mauricio Lara tested positive for betamethasone in a UKAD test following his rematch defeat to Leigh Wood in May 2023 and so has now been banned from boxing for two years. His ban is backdated to the start date of his provisional suspension and so will expire on March 6th, 2026. pic.twitter.com/HGarV7BpMB
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Lara, in an attempt to defend himself, said the positive test was due to an injection into his shoulder on 12 May during the build-up to his fight against Wood.
UKAD, meanwhile, revealed that his claim did not explain how betamethasone found its way into his system, adding that he offered no alternative explanation for the failed drug test.
A statement from UKAD read, “In line with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and UKAD’s respective glucocorticoid policies, UKAD conducted an initial review, inviting Mr Lara to explain the reason for his positive test result,” read part of a UKAD statement. “In response, UKAD was provided with a doctor’s letter detailing how Mr Lara had received an injection of dexamethasone on 12 May 2023 (out-of-competition), following an injury to his shoulder whilst sparring.
“UKAD instructed an independent scientific expert to review the explanation provided by Mr Lara. The independent expert concluded that the administration of dexamethasone on 12 May 2023 did not account for the betamethasone in Mr Lara’s sample, which is an entirely different substance. UKAD invited Mr Lara to confirm whether he had administered any other substances prior to sample collection, but the boxer was unable to offer any alternative explanation.”
Lara’s ban, which has been backdated to commence on 7 March 2024, will end on 6 March 2026.
Since his loss to Wood, the 27-year-old has been involved in three fights in Mexico—drawing Daniel Lugo last February, before clinching back-to-back stoppage victories against Pedro Alejandro Delgado in August 2024 and Edwing Davila in January 2025.
