Former featherweight world champion Mauricio Lara has been handed a two-year ban by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) following a doping violation. The Mexican boxer tested positive for the banned substance betamethasone after his defeat by Leigh Wood at the Manchester Arena on May 28, 2023. Betamethasone is prohibited in competition by UKAD.
Lara, 27, claimed that his positive test was the result of an injection into his shoulder on May 12, 2023. However, UKAD countered that this explanation did not account for the presence of betamethasone in his system and stated that Lara offered no alternative explanation for the failed drugs test.
The ban has been backdated to March 7, 2024, and will conclude on March 6, 2026. Since his loss to Wood, Lara has fought three times in Mexico, drawing with Daniel Lugo in February 2024, and recording successive stoppage victories against Pedro Alejandro Delgado in August 2024 and Edwing Davila in January 2025.
The strong message from the authorities
UKAD’s statement detailed the process leading to Lara’s suspension: “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. 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.”
The statement continued, “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.”
As a result, UKAD proceeded to notify Lara that he may have committed Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the presence and use of a prohibited substance and imposed a provisional suspension. Lara was subsequently charged with the commission of both ADRVs and offered no alternative explanation for the Adverse Analytical Finding. Lara had previously been stripped of his WBA title for failing to make the 126lbs featherweight limit for his rematch with Wood.
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