Julio Cesar Martinez's career has hit a significant snag following a positive test for a banned substance. The Ring has confirmed that the former WBC flyweight champion tested positive for S5 Diuretics and Other Masking Agents, a violation discovered after his March 30 win over Angelino Cordova. This bout was part of the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Prime Video pay-per-view event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) conducted the test, and the results have put Martinez (21-3, 15 knockouts; 2 No-Contests) under suspension pending further investigation. NSAC administrative assistant Louis Hamilton confirmed that Martinez is scheduled to appear before the commission again on June 25, 2024. However, this date could be pushed to a future meeting. During this suspension, Martinez is prohibited from fighting anywhere in the U.S., as all offices under the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) must honor NSAC's ruling.
Erick Garcia Benitez, another boxer from the same event, also tested positive for the same banned substance, resulting in similar repercussions.
Career Impact and Title Relinquishment
This positive test coincided with Martinez's recent decision to relinquish his WBC flyweight title and move up to junior bantamweight. He had held the title since December 2019 but faced numerous obstacles, including injuries, illnesses, and weight-making challenges, which limited his activity to just seven defenses over four years.
Despite eventually making weight for his title defenses, Martinez often needed multiple attempts to hit the mark. His struggles were further highlighted in a March 2022 defeat to Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez, where he was well over the 115-pound limit.
Since that defeat, Martinez secured three victories, including a hard-fought majority decision over Cordova. However, if the positive test results stand, this win will be overturned. First-time offenders with NSAC typically receive suspensions ranging from six to nine months and face fines, with the bout result being changed to a No-Contest if the guilty fighter won.
Future Prospects and Previous Controversies
Martinez’s suspension will delay his plans to compete in the junior bantamweight division. S5 Diuretics and Other Masking Agents are prohibited by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) due to their ability to alter the body's fluid balance, aiding in weight reduction and potentially hiding the use of other performance-enhancing drugs.
This isn't the first time Martinez has faced such issues. He previously tested positive for Clenbuterol during random drug testing conducted by the WBC’s Clean Boxing Program. Similar results for other Mexican athletes have often been attributed to the contaminated meat issue in Mexico, a defense that has previously cleared Martinez and others.
Conclusion
Martinez's suspension underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring fair play in boxing. His career, once poised for further accomplishments in the 115-pound division, now faces uncertainty. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the investigation proceeds and as Martinez attempts to navigate this latest setback.