WBC super-lightweight champion Subriel Matias has spoken out following the recent adverse finding detected in a VADA drug test.
The Puerto Rican is scheduled to defend his world title against mandatory challenger Dalton Smith on January 10 in New York, but last week, the WBC revealed they had opened a formal investigation after the banned substance ostarine was found in Matias’ sample. The champion has until Monday, December 1, to request that his B sample be tested.
Matias became a two-time champion at 140lbs after coming through a tough battle against Alberto Puello in New York four months ago.
The 33-year-old Puerto Rican responded to the adverse finding in an Instagram video posted today.
“Never in my life, listen carefully, never in my life have I needed to cheat to stand out in a ring. Thank God, teamwork, my balls, and God’s mercy have brought me to the top. So, whatever, no big deal. Everyone who spits upwards, beware, because it’s going to fall right in your face. I’ve never needed to cheat to stand out, not in any way. Everything I’ve done, I’ve done it with sweat. For those who know, know.”
The WBC has confirmed that Matias is fully cooperating with the investigation, and it has also been reported by The Ring that the title fight with Smith could still indeed go ahead due to the New York State Athletic Commission stating that Matias’ ostarine levels were below a certain threshold.
Matias’ A-sample is said to have been measured at 0.085ng/ml, with the NYSAC considering the presence of ostarine abnormal once it is at levels greater than 0.1 ng/ml.
