Super-featherweight boxing champion Francisco Vargas tests positive for banned substance

Francisco Vargas, Mexico’s World Boxing Council super-featherweight champion scheduled to defend his belt for the first time June 4 at StubHub Center in Carson, tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol, prompting a review by the California State Athletic Commission.

Vargas (23-0, 17 knockouts) is scheduled to defend his belt against countryman Orlando Salido (43-13-3, 30 KOs) in a bout anticipated as a likely slugfest after Vargas won his title November in the Boxing Writers Assn. of America 2015 fight of the year over Japan’s Takashi Miura.

Vargas returned to Mexico last week after training in Big Bear, and a spokesperson for his promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, wrote in an email Thursday that, “Francisco believes he tested positive due to ingesting contaminated meat in Mexico, where clenbuterol is commonly used by ranchers in livestock feed.

“The Associated Press reported this week that this practice may impact athletes throughout the country ahead of the 2016 Olympics. Francisco has, is and will always be a clean fighter. That is why he insisted on this voluntary testing program ahead of the first defense of his WBC championship.”

The testing was performed by the Nevada-based Voluntary Anti-Doping Assn.

“He previously tested clean as part of this same voluntary testing regiment and in all of his previous fights,” the Golden Boy statement read. “He will immediately leave Mexico to finish his training camp in the U.S. in order to avoid any possible repeat of this situation and is fully cooperating with the California State Athletic Commission to submit to all required testing ahead of his June 4 title defense.”

It is likely after a discussion with representatives of the California commission, VADA, Golden Boy and Salido’s Mexico-based promoter, Zanfer Promotions, that a compromise will be sought to keep the fight as scheduled.

Clenbuterol, most famously found in Mexico’s former champion Erik Morales, before a title fight against Danny Garcia in 2012, is banned for its weight-loss effects.

Because Vargas was six weeks out from his June 4 date, his claims may find support, especially if he submits to weekly tests leading to fight night.