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The highly anticipated June 23 rematch between Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz has already been pushed back once, and now it looks like it could be canceled completely. It is being reported by multiple sources that Berto has tested positive for nandrolone, an anabolic steroid.
It is extremely likely that this will result in the fight being called off completely.
Here's a tweet with some information from MaxBoxing's Gabriel Montoya:
@Gabriel_Montoya
Gabriel Montoya™ To clarify, both A and B samples of Andre Berto have been confirmed for traces of nandrolone. #boxing
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Berto, of course, works with Victor Conte, the notorious head of BALCO who was tied to PED use across multiple sports.
Conte, for his part, claims that the test has nothing to do with him, and points to probable contamination:
@VictorConte
Victor Conte Andre Berto's postive test for nandrolone has absolutely nothing to do with me or any supplements I provided. Likely trace contamination
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@VictorConte
Victor Conte Andre has admitted to taking supplements other than what I provided without my knowledge. Apparently, something was contaminated
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To be honest, nandrolone wouldn't really fit Conte's M.O. but the connection is worth noting.
I don't know what to say, really. This is two high profile fights in a matter of weeks that had legitimate, tough drug testing (along with Lamont Peterson vs. Amir Khan) where a fighter tested dirty and the fight canceled.
Does the fact that it's doing its job mean that this is the last we'll see of drug testing for these major fights?