There has been a plot twist in one of the most anticipated boxing events of the year. Canelo Alvarez, who is the lineal Middleweight champion and makes up one-half of the May 5th mega event, has failed a drug test. On Monday, it was announced that the fighter tested positive for trace amounts of Clenbuterol.
While the substance is banned, there has been no indication that the fight between Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin will be altered or suspended in any way. The current odds at BetDSI show that Alvarez is still a sizable underdog:
Canelo Alvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin Betting Line
Canelo Alvarez +130
Gennady Golovkin -160
Over-Under: 11.5 Rounds
Odds courtesy of BetDSI Sportsbook.
Alvarez’ camp was quick to blame the failed drug test on tainted meat contamination, which could be plausible but could also be one heck of a far-fetched claim. After all, we’ve heard a long list of bizarre excuses for failed drug tests ranging from male enhancement products to spiked drinks. However, in defense of Alvarez, it was trace amounts and according to the Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, the “values are all within the range of what is expected from meat contamination.”
The issue is that we haven’t heard back from Golovkin’s camp or the Nevada State Athletic Gaming Commission, which means we don’t know how it will affect the fight as of yet. Alvarez did give both of those parties a head’s up as soon as he found out, so that was a smart, proactive move on his part. Alvarez also said that he’ll be moving his camp from Mexico to the United States.
Alvarez has held previous training camps in Mexico and hasn’t tested positive for anything before, so this does seem a bit bizarre. It is possible that some contaminated meat caused his failed test. It’s also possible that he’s trying to get an edge on Golovkin, who many feel won the first fight. This is one of Alvarez’ biggest challenges in his career – maybe one he won’t be able to overcome – and it wouldn’t be shocking to know that he tried to enhance his performance. For now, the fight goes on as planned but stay tuned to see how this impacts the May 5th superfight.
