The former featherweight world champion Mauricio Lara has been banned for two years by UK Anti-Doping for a doping violation.
The Mexican tested positive for the banned substance betamethasone after his defeat by Leigh Wood at the Manchester Arena on May 28, 2023. Betamethasone is banned in competition by UKAD.
According to the 27-year-old Lara, his positive test was the consequence of an injection into his shoulder on May 12, but UKAD countered that that does not explain the presence of betamethasone in his system, and said that he offered no alternative explanation for how he had failed a drugs test.
His ban has been backdated from March 7, 2024, and will finish on March 6, 2026.
Since losing to Wood he has fought three times – against Daniel Lugo in February 2024, Pedro Alejandro Delgado in August 2024, and Edwing Davila in January. He drew with Lugo, before recording successive stoppage victories; all three fights took place in Mexico.
“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.
“UKAD therefore proceeded to notify Mr Lara that he may have committed ADRVs for the presence and use of a prohibited substance and imposed a provisional suspension. Mr Lara was subsequently charged with the commission of both ADRVs. In response, Mr Lara offered no alternative explanation for the Adverse Analytical Finding.”
Lara, incidentally, had been stripped of his WBA title because he had failed to make the 126lbs featherweight limit for his rematch with Wood.
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