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source: HBO sports

by Doug Fischer

Andre Berto, who is scheduled to fight Victor Ortiz on June 23, has tested positive for the banned substance norandrosterone, according to Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions, the lead promoter of the anticipated Showtime-televised rematch at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Both Berto and Ortiz agreed to be randomly drug tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) for their reamatch, which was postponed from February of this year to June 23 after Berto tore his left biceps muscle.

Berto, who lost their first fight by unanimous decision last April, failed two tests administered by VADA, which found traces of norandrosterone — a detectable metabolite of nandrolone, which is an anabolic steroid sometimes found in the human body (albeit in minute quantities) — in his urine.

Last week, the anticipated Lamont Peterson-Amir Khan rematch that was to take place on Saturday was cancelled due to Peterson failing a VADA test for synthetic testosterone.

“I was personally informed that Berto had tested positive last Saturday,” Schaefer told RingTV.com. “His A sample had the substance norandrosterone. Berto’s manager, Al Haymon, called me and let me know. He pushed for a B sample to be taken, which Berto also failed.

“In some ways, it’s like here we go again, but this was handled differently than the Peterson situation because Al behaved like a professional and immediately informed us and then had the B sample taken as quickly as possible. As a result there is time to salvage the card.”

Schaefer said that he is working with Showtime to preserve the event date and find a replacement opponent for Ortiz if Berto is indeed out.

It could be that Berto took what he thought were natural vitamin supplements that resulted in elevated levels of nandrolone and the norandrosterone metabolite, or that he was prescribed a steroid to help him heal from his biceps injury. Whatever the case, he will need to explain it and the failed test result to the California State Athletic Commission before that governing body grants him a license to fight in California.

Ortiz may contractually have the option to pass on fighting Berto after the failed drug test. Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: with five weeks until the scheduled event date, the show will go on with or without Berto.

source: ring tv

As his father stands by, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. works out in preparation to defend his junior middleweight title against Ireland’s Andy Lee at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas on June 16. Photos by Chris Cozzone – Top Rank.

by Lem Satterfield
Monday was a busy one in the Los Angeles offices of Golden Boy Promotions, where a matchup between WBC junior middleweight beltholder Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and former two-time welterweight titleholder Paul Williams was a major topic of discussion for Sept. 15.

WOW!

“You can put ‘Wow’ in capital letters,” said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer. “That might be the name of the fight. ‘Wow.’”

Allvarez (40-0-1, 29 knockouts) is coming off the fourth defense of his belt against former champ Sugar Shane Mosley, whom he defeated by unanimous decision on May 5.

Williams (41-2, 27 KOs) has split victories with RING middleweight champ Sergio Martinez and former beltholder Carlos Quintana and won a disputed majority decision over Erislandy Lara — all of whom are fellow southpaws.

Alvarez and Williams have each defeated former welterweight beltholder Kermit Cintron.

“Absolutely, Canelo will definitely fight on Sept. 15,” said Schaefer. “I’m going to be speaking tomorrow, with [boxing] advisor, Al Haymon, and one of the names which we are considering is Paul Williams.”

Other considerations for Alvarez have been WBC welterweight and WBA junior middleweight beltholder Floyd Mayweather Jr. (43-0, 26 KOs), or three-division titlewinner Miguel Cotto (37-2, 30 KOs), the man Mayweather beat by unanimous decision on May 5.

Hammer-fisted James Kirkland (31-1, 27 KOs), also promoted by Golden Boy, was also a name mentioned to face Alvarez.

“Canelo is one of those guys who wants to fight any and everybody, so he has absolutely no fear. He looked sensational against Mosley, and we believe that he is the best 154-pounder,” said Schaefer. “Obviously, Paul Williams would be a big challenge. When I say big, that’s in a big way, so we will see.”

source: ring tv