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WBC clears Julio Cesar Martinez and Rey Vargas after testing positive for clenbuterol

Martinez’s upcoming title fight and Vargas’ champion status remain unaffected

WBC Super Bantamweight Championship - Vargas v Kameda Photo By Tom Hogan/Golden Boy/Getty Images

That dastardly tainted meat tried to derail some more Mexican standouts, but the brave and stalwart WBC once more rose to their defense.

Flyweight standout Julio Cesar Martinez and super bantamweight champion Rey Vargas have reportedly failed VADA for the banned substance clenbuterol, “but the amounts are so small that no further action is being taken.” The two “have agreed to educational and nutritional advice, and have accepted to become Clean Boxing Program Ambassadors in their respective [g]yms.”

Both Vargas and Martinez said that there was no conscious of deliberate intent to take Clenbuterol, and the amounts found in the tests are not sufficient to register any performance enhancing benefit. The muscle forming drug is commonly found in many meat products throughout Mexico. Previous positive tests for Clenbuterol have been registered by Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Francisco “Bandido” Vargas, also in very small amounts meaning accidental ingestion via food.

The WBC had previously also cleared bantamweight standout Luis Nery, who tested positive for a cattle steroid that he attributed to eating tainted meat. Erik Morales also famously tested positive ahead of his rematch with Danny Garcia, which (unfortunately for “El Terrible”) didn’t stop it from taking place.

Charlie Edwards, whom Martinez (14-1, 11 KO) was in the process of mauling before the latter landed an illegal shot to a downed opponent to force a no contest, was quick to claim vindication.

Regardless, Martinez is still set to face Cristofer Rosales for Edwards’ former title next month. Vargas (34-0, 22 KO), last seen defeating Tomoki Kameda in July, remains WBC champion at 122 pounds.

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