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Former super flyweight champion Carlos Cuadras, suspended by the WBC for refusing a post-fight drug test after his February loss to McWilliams Arroyo, has entered rehab for alcohol and recreational drug addiction. The drug in question was not specified.
Cuadras’ statement:
“I am convinced that I will win this battle. I have a wife and a son to support and I represent my country, I need to find the strength with the help of God to find a cure to this horrible nightmare as I have lived in hell, but I am a champion and will be victorious.
“I never failed a test in boxing, respected the sport but my usage in my private life, between fights, certainly affected my career in the sport I love. I am very thankful to those who have supported me during the difficult times. I am embarrassed and apologize to the public and to the sport but beg you to give me one last opportunity.”
Cuadras (36-3-1, 27 KO) is just 1-3 in his last four fights, losing competitive decisions to Roman Gonzalez, Juan Francisco Estrada, and the aforementioned Arroyo. All three of them are quality fighters, but I can’t imagine those defeats being easy on the psyche of a previously undefeated champion.
At 29, Cuadras is still at or near his physical prime, and we can only hope he manages to conquer his issues and re-establish himself as an elite boxer.