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      Harrowing story of undefeated boxer who ‘lost his mind’ after drugs binge before ‘murdering wife’ and committing suicide

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      IT appeared Edwin Valero had the world at his feet as an undefeated champion with a beautiful wife and two children. But outside the ring he was battling a fight against drug addiction which would ultimately cost him his life.Edwin Valero had 27 wins all by KOCredit: AFPEdwin Valero pictured with wife JenniferBut he led a dark life in privateCredit: ReutersValero committed suicide in 2010Credit: AFPWBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told SunSport: “He had unbelievably heavy hands. “Very unfortunately his life ended in tragedy, in controversy, but what happened inside the ring was tremendous by him. “Valero grew up in Merida, Venezuela and began boxing at 12 in a bid to combat the anger that raged inside of him. He had an 86-6 amateur record with 57 knockouts, winning national titles three years in a row before turning professional in 2002. READ MORE IN BOXINGValero broke the record by winning his first 18 fights all by KO in a display of power never-before-seen. He was also becoming somewhat of a myth behind-the-scenes in boxing gyms, regularly KOing sparring partners in chilling fashion. By 20 bouts, Valero was WBA super-featherweight champion and later won the WBC belt in 2009. WBC boss Sulaiman – his father Jose in charge at the time – befriended Valero on the boxer’s rise to stardom. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSulaiman told SunSport: “He was very nice, very quiet. He had a great charisma, macho type, but he was a family man.” Valero shared son Edwin Antonio and Jennifer Roselyne with wife Jennifer.Mike Tyson doesn’t hesitate when revealing heavyweight who would have beaten him Heading into the late 2000s and Valero was making huge waves in the sport, linked with massive fights against the likes of Manny Pacquiao.But he also led a secret life of drink and drugs, which caused a strain on his relationship. In 2010, Valero was accused of assault after his wife was hospitalised with bruises and a damaged lung. The feared fighter denied wrongdoing – while wife Jennifer told cops she hurt herself falling down stairs. Valero’s troubles outside the ring also included being denied a 2009 fight on Pacquaio’s undercard after his visa was rejected due to a DUI in Texas. The boxer continued to KO opponents around the world, from America, Asia and Mexico. But he would celebrate with drug binges back home in Venezuela – something that would have fatal consequences. Valero was one of boxing’s hardest hittersCredit: AFPHe knocked out every one of his opponentsCredit: GettyHe was world champion in two weightsCredit: AFPSulaiman said: “The sky was the limit for Valero because he was young and talented and powerful. “Very unfortunately, he experienced the evil of cocaine. In just a short period of time, he lost his mind.” Valero’s final fight was against Antonio DeMarco in February 2010 in Mexico – he won via ninth-round KO and retained his WBC lightweight title.But just two months later and he was dead alongside his wife.Sulaiman said: “After his fight in Mexico – he fought in Monterrey, Mexico – he flew back to Venezuela and some people introduced him to cocaine and he had a horrible week.”We were contacted by his family and friends and my father was a couple of days away from getting a humanitarian visa so that he could travel to a rehab facility in the United States.”And there was also one in Cuba that was ready to receive him. And unfortunately, history turned that way and it didn’t happen.” Valero’s 24-year-old wife was found stabbed to death on April 18, 2010. Valero walks after being arrested in a police station in 2010Credit: ReutersHe would commit suicide one day laterCredit: ReutersValero was arrested after Jennifer’s body was discovered in a hotel in the city of Valencia, Carabobo.The 27-0 champion – who won every fight by KO – was considered the prime suspect – but he never faced his day in court. Valero was discovered hanging in his jail cell just a day after his arrest – committing suicide only 24 hours after allegedly killing his wife. Reports in Venezuela claimed Valero admitted to hotel security and police that he had murdered his wife.Jennifer’s family accused Valero of being a violent, drug-addicted bully who stopped eating or sleeping before taking it out on his wife.Sulaiman and his dad saw Valero and his family dining out after his last fight – unaware of the horrors that would follow. He said: “I never could have believed what happened.Very unfortunately his life ended in tragedy, in controversy but what happened inside the ring was tremendous by him. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman”I was completely shocked. Heartbroken in disbelief because he was a real good friend.” “He was a very dear, fighter, dear friend. And it’s just a tragedy.” Both Valero and his wife had public burials in Venezuela.Their kids were taken in by Jennifer Carolina’s sister and their daughter later took up amateur boxing in her father’s honour. A 2016 film titled El Inca – Valero’s boxing nickname – was selected as Venezuelia’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.Valero’s brother-in-law – Jennifer’s brother Yoel Finol – also became a boxer and represented Venezuelan at the 2016 Olympics. In the run up to the Rio Games, Finol revealed he had forgiven Valero for his alleged horrors and only began boxing as a kid due to his influence. Finol is now a 3-0 pro bantamweight but he has not fought since 2020.READ MORE SUN STORIESValero remains the WBC’s only champion with a 100 per cent KO ratio with his career in the ring still celebrated to this day. But the questions he left unanswered also still remain.Yoel Finol, left, is Valero’s brother-in-law and an Olympic boxerCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘We’ve always come out victorious’ – Chris Eubank Jr’s cousin goads Conor Benn ahead of ‘family feud’ fight

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      HARLEM EUBANK warned cousin Chris’ fight against Conor Benn is a sizeable mismatch – and wants to scrap with the Destroyer himself.The unbeaten Brighton welterweight was due on the undercard when the mega-bout was first announced for October 2022. Chris Eubank Jr stares down Conor BennCredit: GettyBut the scrap was dramatically scrapped with just days to go after it was revealed Benn had failed two drug tests. Now, three years on, it has been rescheduled for April 26 at Tottenham’s stadium with the fight bigger than ever.Benn has had two comeback wins up at the 154lb light-middleweight limit – but Harlem insists nothing can prepare him for what is to come.He told SunSport: “I think it’s a no brainer. Conor hasn’t been in with anyone near that level, let alone that weight class.READ MORE IN BOXING”I mean, you see at 154, you can talk about knocking people out but in a fight it’s different and I think that’s kind of already become clear.”So it’s clearly a mismatch, it’s a fantasy fight because of the names but the weight, and the standard doesn’t align.” Benn tested positive for banned substance clomiphene – which is known to boost testosterone. But he won his drug case and recently had a UK Anti-Doping ban lifted, freeing him to fight on home soil again.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAlthough Harlem – robbed of his bout on the undercard three years ago – will believe it when he sees it. He said: “There’s a lot surrounding the fight that’s been controversial over the last three years. “I was there obviously on the undercard on the first fight. It was a very long kind of ordeal even media-wise all the topics around it, you know, the cloudiness around it.”I still can’t see it – like obviously it’s done now – but until they’re in the ring I still can’t see it. “I still won’t believe it until they’re actually in the ring because last time it was already fight week, it was three days out and he failed his drug test.”So yeah, I’ll believe it when they’re in the ring and the bell rings.”Harlem is now 20-0 and returns on Friday against Northern Irishman Tyrone McKenna in Brighton. And his legendary uncle Chris Sr – who sadly lost son Sebastian in 2021 – is actively helping guide his nephew as a mentor. Harlem, 31, said: “He’s on great form at the minute and he’s constantly sending me across snippets of wisdom and I’m gonna use it all as I build and grow as a fighter.It’s gonna be huge and I think I’ll feel that pride and that rivalry on the night as well. And, we’ve always come out victorious so it will be no different.Harlem Eubank”He’s steered me a lot in the sport and been a great role model for me as well. “So I’m looking forward to continuing to shine through the the wisdoms that he’s implanted in me.”I hope to do him proud when I go out there on fight night and put in a performance.”Harlem was only a few months old when uncle Chris drew with Benn in 1993 – three years after his brutal win. And Eubank Jr has been open and candid about losing touch with his dad in recent times – despite always voicing his love and admiration for Sr. It remains to be seen whether the British boxing great will be in his son’s corner against Benn – but Harlem will be. He said: “It’s gonna be historic. Benn against Eubank it’s always been one of those fights that people refer to 20 years later.”It’s gonna be huge and I think I’ll feel that pride and that rivalry on the night as well. And, we’ve always come out victorious so it will be no different.”Benn – unbeaten in 23 bouts – bullishly claims he will KO Eubank before heading back down to welterweight for a world title shot. READ MORE SUN STORIESHarlem – campaigning also at the weight – will be waiting for Benn and fancies a crack at Nigel’s son himself. He grinned: “He says he’s still 147. So if he wants to fight a competitor – which I’m not sure he’s looking to do – I’m 147 and I’m ready to give it to him.”Harlem Eubank faces off with Tyrone McKennaCredit: Getty More

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      Diego Maradona’s daughter fights back tears as she says family live in fear of mafia ahead of trial into his death

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      THE daughter of Diego Maradona has broken down in tears after claiming her family live in fear of the mafia. Dalma Maradona, 37, called for justice ahead of a trial into the Argentine legend’s death in 2020. Diego Maradona’s daughter Dalma (left) has spoken out ahead of a trial into the football legend’s deathCredit: AFPMaradona died aged 60 in 2020 after suffering a heart attack at homeCredit: GettyDalma has accused medical staff of negligence after her father’s deathCredit: YouTubeMaradona died after suffering a fatal heart attack at his Buenos Aires home almost five years ago. His family have alleged negligence by his medical practitioners contributed to his death. Maradona’s cause of death was officially listed as “acute pulmonary edema secondary to exacerbated chronic heart failure”.But in an astonishing interview ahead of the trial on March 11, Dalma broke down as she begged for people to “know the truth.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA tearful Dalma told Angel Responde show on Bondi Live: “My mother is worried because she is afraid.”Afraid of the mafia, of those who control everything, have money and power. “But I don’t care. I know who I am up against, but I cannot remain silent. We need people to know the truth. “My mother tells me all the time, ‘Shut up, don’t say anything, I’m scared’, but I can’t. I owe it to him.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAn inquest in 2021 into Maradona’s death concluded his medical team acted in an “inappropriate, deficient and reckless manner”.Over a year later, it was announced eight doctors and nurses would go on trial, with proceedings finally getting underway on March 11. I’m an international pop superstar who bizarrely performed with Diego Maradona – now I live in a tiny flat in NottinghamMaradona battled drugs and alcohol addiction during his lifetime, as well as undergoing brain surgery in 2020.But the inquest claimed he would have stood a “better chance of survival” had he received “adequate medical care”.The medical team on trial face up to 25 years in jail if convicted.Maradona’s neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov are in the dock over the World Cup winner’s death. They are joined by nurses Ricardo Omar Almiron, Mariano Perroni and Dahiana Gisela, as well as psychologists Carlos Diaz and Nancy Forlini.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe eight also includes Maradona’s psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov. Mr Cosachov’s lawyer said last April: “There could have been two causes – one natural and the other, a product of the ingestion of a toxic substance.” More

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      I fought Anthony Joshua for £5,000 but now live new life as a bailiff and expose some of the biggest secrets in boxing

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      PAUL BUTLIN was once a heavyweight fighting the likes of Anthony Joshua – but now he is a TikTok star from his van exposing boxing’s secrets.Butlin, now 48, boxed top names in his career including Derek Chisora and Joshua before retiring in 2016.Paul Butlin is the ex-heavyweight champ now exposing boxing’s biggest secretsCredit: RexButlin went viral while working in his job as a bailiffCredit: https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonnButlin is a big hit on TikTok exposing boxing’s secretsNowadays, he works as a debt collector while becoming a surprise hit on TikTok where he has almost 40,000 followers and millions of views.No longer at risk of getting on the wrong side of promoters or managers, Butlin pulls back the curtain on boxing’s dark side.Blowing the whistle on fighters’ pay, matchmaking and failed drug tests are all part of the reason fans can’t get enough of Butlin’s channel.And he tells SunSport: “I just started making boxing videos and people seem to like the real side of me, because all they see is like Conor Benn and people like this.READ MORE IN BOXING”They just think you’re gonna make millions, so I’m just trying to distract people to the other side of it. “The real side of boxing where you’ve got graft just to live really.”His controversial claims have included suggesting several top but nameless boxers use performance enhancing drugs. Butlin alleged in one video: “All the big names, I’m not gonna mention, I know they’re on it. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’ve been training in gyms since 16-years-old, I know who’s on gear, who ain’t on gear. I can tell with the power.” And he believes Jake Paul’s eight-round points victory over 58-year-old Mike Tyson in November was an example of a rigged fight.He said: “The whole fight was a fix, I watched it. Absolute b****s. “He hardly threw a punch, (Tyson) could have knocked him out at any time. Absolute fix, the game is a con.” Paul and his Most Valuable Promotions company did release a statement to deny accusations of the bout being fixed. Butlin – a former bouncer – went viral himself when a video emerged of him having a row while collecting a debt.Little did the man recording know that he was dealing with one of Britain’s most respected and experienced heavyweights.But Butlin said: “It’s just one of them that you get used to. I’ve got nothing to prove, do you know what I mean?”I don’t stand – even when I work at the door – I didn’t stand there and saying, ‘Well, I’m a professional boxer.’ Do you know what I mean? Or I used to be a professional boxer.”I just am what I am, and then people can abuse me. That is part of the job.”Butlin opened up about being verbally abused during his day jobCredit: https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonnWhen Butlin speaks about boxing, fans will listen. After all, he’s not a pretender with a big social media following, he has experienced it all in the ring. Butlin only started his amateur career at 26 and turned pro after just two years and 12 bouts. He went 4-0 before losing to Paul Buttery – in what he admits was a step up too soon in his career. An up and down run of performances and results then forced the East Midlands man to the away corner to make reasonable money. He said: “I realised the only way I could make money without selling tickets is going on the road if you like.”Butlin also made a name for himself sparring the likes of Tyson Fury before the Gypsy King became a world champion superstar.In fact, Butlin first crossed paths with Fury while the future British legend was still a teenager and knew he was destined for greatness.First jab he hit me with – and I told this story before – I was like, Jesus! It was like a right hand off a good heavyweight. That’s how strong he was.Paul Butlin on Anthony Joshua Butlin revealed: “Even after sparring him the first time, I said to him, ‘You’d beat most heavyweights now.’ “Obviously at the time I was sparring Matt Skelton, Pele Reed, loads of heavyweights. “I said, ‘Mate, you beat all these heavyweights now as an amateur.’ That’s what I told him.”And then he invited me up where he couldn’t get sparring. I went up to Manchester, I went to his uncle’s who sadly passed away. “Tyson was living in a caravan back of there, and he was training in like the barn.”And then I went to an amateur club in Manchester, so probably two or three times I sparred him, always got on well with him, he always looked after me and yeah, he’s a good lad.” Butlin also helped welcome Joshua to the world of professional boxing – one year after AJ won Olympic gold in London.And he admits to being blown away by the sheer power of Joshua – even with his lesser left hand jab.Butlin was beaten by Anthony Joshua in 2013Credit: Mark Robinson – The SunHe was paid just £5,000 for the fightCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunButlin said: “I squared with him in the casino where we had the weigh in, I looked at him and I thought, ‘Mate, you’re having it! “Got in the ring, I wasn’t even bothered. I thought, ‘Do you know what, you’re having it! I’m fit as a fiddle.'”First jab he hit me with – and I told this story before – I was like, Jesus! It was like a right hand off a good heavyweight. That’s how strong he was.”I went back to Carl Greaves first round, and said, ‘Mate, I can’t deal with him.'”He goes, ‘What are you on about?’ ‘I can’t deal with his power.’ He hits that hard.”And the only reason I got up after that big shot is because I was fit. I mean, I had nine stitches in my eye. Great shot. I can’t fault him.”Fans would assume fighting Joshua is a top payday – but Butlin is open in admitting he made just a tiny £5,000. He said on reflection: “At the time I was working, I had my gym. I think we just got married. We had young kids, five grand helps.I’ve been training in gyms since 16-years-old, I know who’s on gear, who ain’t on gear. I can tell with the power.”Looking back now, obviously the older you get I’m a bit gutted I didn’t get more. But that’s life, innit? You’re gonna take it.”If you don’t take it, someone else is gonna take it. So £5,000 at the time was a lot of money, and I just thought, ‘Yeah, why not?'” But Butlin also caused damage of his own – just ask Chisora. London’s veteran fan favourite once revealed Butlin was the hardest-hitting opponent he ever faced.Chisora claimed Butlin hit so hard he had to get the referee to check his gloves and make sure it wasn’t loaded with weights in it.”He never told me that afterwards,” Butlin says with a laugh. Butlin’s career on the road as the opponent was filled with short-notice bouts. Sometimes it was only 24 hours notice, other times while he had a BROKEN HAND.But Butlin always showed up – until he packed it in to tell the tales on the grubby boxing business. And while his career in the ring, all across Europe, may have gone unnoticed among some fans, his boxing exposes on TikTok certainty aren’t.READ MORE SUN STORIESButlin gets dozens of requests and questions sent in by his TikTok fans – but did he ever expect to be such a hit among social media?He said with a grin: “No, not really. I thought, it’s bald old Paul just making videos.”  More

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      ‘Shut your f***ing mouth’ – Chris Eubank Jr’s press conference instantly erupts ‘threatening’ Conor Benn’s dad Nigel

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR’S press conference erupted after Conor Benn accused him of threatening his dad Nigel. Just two days beforehand, Eubank had smashed an EGG into Benn’s face in a reference to his failed drug tests in 2022. Chris Eubank Jr ‘threatened’ Conor Benn’s dad NigelCredit: AlamyNigel apologised for putting his hands on EubankCredit: GettyBenn threatened Eubank in responseCredit: AlamyChaos ensued on stage with Benn’s legendary father Nigel grabbing Eubank by the throat – something he apologised for. But Eubank, 35, said: “I’ve gotta just say something. “I understand the frustration and the heat that you were experiencing a couple of days ago after I egged Conor. “I understand, but you did put your hand around my neck. And I’m going to give you a pass because of what happened. READ MORE IN BOXING”But, I’m just letting you know if your hand ever touches me again, you won’t get it back.” And enraged Conor, 28, then shouted: “Shut your f***ing mouth. Do you hear me? Do you hear me? Threaten my dad. “Oi, silly b****s, threaten my dad again, see what happens to you.” But Eubank responded: “I’m not threatening him, I’m just letting him know.” Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNigel – who had two legendary fights with Eubank Sr – said: “Con, leave it, I can handle this. I’m old school, mate. I had this with his dad. “I’m old school, mate. This is not a problem. I understand and I apologise for doing that, mate. I really am sorry that I done that. ‘Literally s–t himself’ – Eddie Hearn and Chris Eubank Jr promoter flinch after Conor Benn jokingly aims punch at them”But you put your hands on my son.” The WBC infamously suggested a high intake of eggs could have caused Benn’s positive tests for clomiphene – which is known to boost testosterone.But Benn has since had his UK Anti-Doping ban lifted after an investigation – allowing him to box on.And Eubank – now facing a British Boxing Board of Control probe – failed to apologise for his egg slap stunt.He said: “If I had the opportunity I’d do it again.“Me throwing an egg at someone — who absurdly claims that’s why he failed two drug tests — that’s light, he deserved the embarrassment.”Eubank egging Benn at their launch press conferenceCredit: Getty More

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      ‘That’s you in both photos?’ – Elle Brooke shows off incredible body transformation that led to boxing career

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      ELLE BROOKE believes her loss is her gain.But fans were stunned the boxer’s ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures as she shed weight to get fighting fit were both her.-Elle Brooke is proud of the honed technique she’s worked hard forShe has 2m-plus fans on TikTok and nearly 1m on InstagramCredit: @ellebrookeukFans are used to selfies with less on than in the ringCredit: Instagram @thedumbledongBrooke, seen here taking on Andrea Jane, remains fighting fitCredit: GettyThe Misfits fighter and OnlyFans star shared the snaps as she attributed her change to “Hard work and Ozempic”.Weight-loss jabs have a controversial reputation, with some celebrities taking them but medical experts launching warnings.But the influencer is proud of her transformation.However, that’s mainly because she ditched her lifestyle as a “really bad party girl” while also overcoming issues with drugs and depression.READ MORE IN BOXINGBrooke’s’s 962,000 Instagram followers were staggered by her change in appearance – as shown in a clip she posted featuring two mirror selfies.The drastic metamorphosis was no doubt helped by her decision a couple of hears ago to give up alcohol.First Brooke was seen in a typical boxer’s pose, grinning as she flexed her arm muscles, albeit only wearing lacy underwear.Then the video drifts to an image of how she looked before her new holistic lifestyle – a healthy shape in a more modest bikini.Most read in BoxingHere’s how she looked before her transformationThe Brit looked more serious and perhaps less confident in this shot, as she peered down at her phone rather than at the mirror.She summed up the altered images by adding: “Red Bull gives u… wings.”SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr reveals Daniel Dubois’ chances of fighting Joseph Parker ‘look grim’But “speechless” fans focused on her physical change.One said: “That’s you in both photos? Wow!! That’s incredible. Bravo!!”A second wrote: “Wow, great transformation and dedication.” And others praised the Tiktok sensation for her commitment to peak conditioning.One said: “Wow, great transformation and dedication.” Another reckoned: “That’s real motivation.”And a third claimed: “Consistency and determination are sexy as f, and with age, it just gets better and better.”However, Brooke might prefer that her dedication and honed body make sparks fly in the boxing ring.She first picked up her gloves for a victory over AJ Bunker in July 2022 and has since also dabbled with bareknuckle fighting.Brooke has since told the Sun of her emotional and physcial jounrey.She said: “From going out every week to the pub, going clubbing, sniffing tons of cocaine, ketamine… to the other side, watching what you put in your body, dieting, health and exercise, regular routine.“Routine is my favourite thing about boxing. It gives me a reason to wake up in the morning. It gives me structure. Now I just live a boring life. She added: “I was at one point on antidepressants, taking sertraline before I started boxing.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So I was relying on a pill everyday to make me happy and so I didn’t have like dark, suicidal thoughts whereas now I have those good days and I have those bad days but it’s more about training and what I’m focusing on.“So boxing really has changed my life.”She offers fans frills and spills out of the ringCredit: Instagram @thedumbledongNot even Elle can do without white trainersCredit: Instagram / @thedumbledongBrooke has put many problems behind her for a new lifestyleCredit: RexShe was an elegant visitor to WimbledonCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong More

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      Three-weight boxing champion Claressa Shields under investigation and suspended after testing positive for marijuana

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      BOXING superstar Claressa Shields has been suspended after testing positive for marijuana following her last win.The three-weight undisputed champion, 29, beat fellow American Danielle Perkins to lift the heavyweight crown on February 3. Claressa Shields said earlier this month she was a ‘clean athlete’Credit: GettyShields celebrated beating Danielle Perkins earlier this monthCredit: GettyThe ex-Olympic golden girl faces an investigation after the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission suspended her from fighting in the state.Shields is said to have tested positive after providing an “oral fluid sample” following a dominant victory over Perkins on points.Marijuana is on the banned list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).The World Boxing Organisation is also looking into the case.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt’s a sanctioning body without the power to suspend fighters.But the BBC say the WBO has asked Shields for a “show notice”.That means they want her to explain the situation.Meanwhile, the Michigan Commission has launched its own probe to see if she should be the subject of disciplinary action.Most read in BoxingThe Commission said: “Ms Shields’ conduct as a licensed professional boxer constitutes an imminent threat to the integrity of professional boxing, the public interest, and the welfare and safety of professional athletes.”It comes just a week after Shields spoke out over rumours of a failed drugs test.Frank Warren’s Commonwealth Gold medalist Lewis Williams builds to second pro fight | Contender She went on social media to insist she was a “clean athlete”.Shields and Perkins were both scheduled to have been tested  by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (Vada) following their fight, due to the WBC’s clean boxing programme. More

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      Dillian Whyte and Hughie Fury’s boxing records CHANGED as rival has 10 years of results wiped over failed drug test

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      DILLIAN WHYTE and Hughie Fury are among the fighters set to see their boxing records altered.It comes after fresh doping violations by former world title challenger Alexander Povetkin came to light.Alexander Povetkin is serving a four-year suspension for a recently-discovered failed drug testCredit: GETTYThe Russian tested positive for ostarine in 2014 but his failed test went unreportedCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdPovetkin has had ten years’ worth of results scrubbed from his record, including his 2020 KO of Dillian WhyteCredit: MARK ROBINSONThe Russian has secretly been serving a FOUR-YEAR drugs ban.And the historic anti-doping rule break, which has only just come to light, has cost him a DECADE of fight results.Povetkin, 45, has been slapped with the sanction after it was discovered he’d failed a drug test back in October 2014.An investigation by the International Testing Agency into systemic doping in Russian sports discovered a sample returned by Povetkin after his clash with Carlos Takam came back positive for Ostarine.READ MORE BOXING NEWSBut he continued boxing as the positive sample, which was retrieved from the Moscow Laboratory by the World Anti-Doping Agency, went UNREPORTED.Povetkin tested positive for Ostarine and Meladonium – the drug at the centre of Maria Sharapova’s doping scandal – in 2016 and was hit with a one-year ban.But the uncovering of his failed test in 2014 has seen him handed a four-year sanction.An ITA statement read: “After being notified of the case and informed of his procedural rights, the athlete decided not to challenge the anti-doping rule violation.Most read in BoxingHughie Fury lost to Povetkin in 2019Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdAlexander Povetkin’s legacy is now in tattersCredit: REUTERS”Povetkin’s ban came into effect on October 21 2024 and will be in force until October 20 2028.“In addition, the athlete’s results from October 25 2014 until the start of the athlete’s provisional suspension on October 21 2024 have been disqualified.Whyte vs Povetkin 2 – Round by round”Including the results obtained during a boxing match held on the night of October 24/25 2014.”The wiping out of a decade’s worth of wins for Povetkin has seen his triumphs over Brits Hughie Fury, David Price and Whyte overturned to No Contests.Povetkin first met Whyte in 2020, with the Russian triumphing by KO.They fought again in March the following year with Whyte emerging victorious. Hughie Fury lost to Povetkin at the O2 in 2019. Povetkin, however, won’t feel the brunt of ITA’s heavy sanction as he hung up his gloves in June 2021.Shortly after the announcement of his retirement, he said: “The years take their tolI”I have all kinds of injuries that still need to be treated. The time has come for me to end my career.”READ MORE SUN STORIESPovetkin has yet to speak on his second period of ineligibility, which matters very little considering the fact he’s retired.But his achievements inside the ring, including his gold medal at the 2004 Olympics in Greece, will forever be tainted by his two failed drug tests. More