Eric Molina drugs ban: Anthony Joshua opponent suspended for two years after failing doping test

The 36-year-old, who lost to Joshua in December 2016, tested positive for the prohibited substance dexamethasone

Eric Molina has been suspended for two years (Getty )

American heavyweight Éric Molina has been suspended from boxing for two years after testing positive for a banned substance following his defeat by Anthony Joshua in December 2016.

The 36-year-old American, who was stopped in the third round by Joshua in an unsuccessful IBF heavyweight title challenge, tested positive for the prohibited substance dexamethasone on December 11.

The steroid is permitted by the World Anti-Doping Agency out of competition, but is on the prohibited substances list. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid and is generally taken by athletes to prevent the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

“Every athlete is solely responsible for what is in their system and must adhere to the strict liability principle,” said UK Anti-Doping chief executive Nicole Sapstead.

“All athletes at any level should familiarise themselves with the Wada Prohibited List and ensure they do not put themselves in a position where they may breach anti-doping regulations.”

Molina’s period of ineligibility shall apply from the date of the provisional suspension until midnight on 27 October 2019, scuppering his forthcoming fight with former WBC International heavyweight champion Mariusz Wach.

As well as fighting for Joshua’s IBF title, Molina also unsuccessfully challenged for the WBC belt in June 2015, losing to Deontay Wilder. He has a career record of 26-5, last fighting – and losing – to current WBC mandatory challenger Dominic Breazeale.