Reports indicate that boxer Jose Benavidez Jr tested positive for cocaine after his fifth-round stoppage win against Danny Rosenberger in February. This victory has since been changed to a no-contest.
The former world title contender had returned to winning ways against the lesser-known Rosenberger on the undercard of the David Benavidez vs David Morrell event.
Despite the fight taking place months ago, it has only now been revealed that the older brother of the WBC world light-heavyweight champion tested positive for cocaine, a substance considered recreational but banned in sports competition, shortly after the bout.
According to boxing journalist Dan Rafael, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) has handed Benavidez (whose record is now 28-3-1 with 19 KOs) a nine-month suspension.
In addition to the ban, `El Phoenix` was reportedly fined $3,750 and ordered to pay $157.04 in prosecution fees.
The positive result from the A-sample was apparently detected through a randomized drug testing program approved by the NSAC, rather than testing conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA).
Regardless of the testing method, this incident represents a significant blow to Benavidez`s career, which was already facing considerable challenges.
With the no-contest now on his record, the 33-year-old has secured only one win in his last six fights. While defeats to elite fighters like Terence Crawford, Danny Garcia, and Jermall Charlo are against top opposition, this latest setback is particularly damaging.
Benavidez`s suspension lasts until October 31st, giving him time to potentially reinvent himself as a viable contender in the middleweight division.
It is also relevant to note that his brother, David Benavidez, faced a similar situation in 2018 after testing positive for cocaine. That incident resulted in David being stripped of his WBC title and kept out of the ring for over a year.
