Chavez Jr. Refuses Martinez Request for Anti-Doping Tests

WBC middleweight titlist Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has rejected linear champion Sergio Martinez’s request that he undergo Olympic style drug testing as a requirement for a proposed September 15 bout in Las Vegas.

According to Martinez, the two fighters have already come to terms on the financial splits and other pertinent contract information. He claims that Chavez Jr., who is promoted by Top Rank, will only agree to testing regulations mandated by the Las Vegas boxing commission.

“Regarding the percentages, there is no problem,” Martinez told BoxingScene.com. “I’ve seen their terms and only put in one — to have Olympic style anti-doping tests. [If he agrees to that], I’ll accept whatever. I also want that fight in September, and I’m sure I’m going to knock him out.”

In November 2009, Chavez Jr. failed a Nevada post-fight drug test after furosemide, a banned substance used as a masking agent for other drugs, was found in his system.

Chavez Jr.’s last fight, a February 3 victory over Marco Antonio Rubio in Texas, was mired in controversy after Chavez Jr. left the arena without taking a required post-fight drug test. The Texas commission absolved Chavez Jr. of any wrongdoing, claiming their officials forgot to administer the test. Rubio has filed a still pending protest with the WBC over the matter.

The WBC has installed Martinez as Chavez’s Jr.’s mandatory opponent. Both fighters have actively been exploring other fight options for the summer should the September 15 agreement not be reached.

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I’m sure this story reminds you of two other fighters who’ll remain unmentioned. Nonetheless, there are differences with this situation. Chavez Jr. not only has a documented failed drug test but also a dubious testing controversy in his very last fight! Martinez has sound reasoning to ask for this testing considering the background of the fighter he’s dealing with.

Unfortunately this is boxing and the cash cow gets to dictate the terms. Chavez Jr.’s popularity allows him to make good money no matter who he fights. He’s in the driver seat here and even though Martinez is the much more accomplished fighter, he may end up having to bend on this as well. Marvin Hagler had to do it with Ray Leonard, and more recently Mayweather had to fold to Oscar De La Hoya’s demands in 2007.

More on this story as it develops…