Canelo Alvarez blasted after being banned for six-months following two failed drugs tests
CANELO ALVAREZ has been blasted after failing two drugs test amid outrage he should be banned for LIFE.
The 27-year-old twice tested positive for banned substance clenbuterol after giving samples on February 17 and February 20.
He claimed it was a result of eating contaminated meat, and went on to pass two tests ahead of his rematch against Gennady Golovkin.
But Canelo was forced to withdraw from their rematch on 5 May because of the failed samples.
And angry social media users, including WBO middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders and promoter Dave Coldwell have hit out at the ban.
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Clenbuterol is used by athletes as a fat-burner, and has been used in bodybuilding and cycling among other sports.
The substance is used in the Mexican meat trade, however, where the food regulations are less strict than in the US and the UK.
Last year, Canelo and Golovkin’s first fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas ended in a controversial draw.
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The Nevada State Athletic Commission and Canelo's team reached an adjudication agreement before the hearing.
It was then the board voted unanimously on a six-month ban, meaning he will be eligible to fight again on August 17.
Golovkin, 36, is now set to defend his WBC, WBA and IBO world titles against Vanes Martorosyan.