CONFIRMATION - VARGAS TESTED POSITIVE FOR STEROIDS

By Ron Brashear 

Inside Boxing Writer/Columnist

Photo: Michael V. Ornelas/Inside Boxing

INSIDE BOXING (09/27/02) - It has been confirmed by the Nevada Athletic Commission, namely Marc Ratner (Executive Director), that Fernando Vargas' post-fight urinalysis test came back positive for Stanozolol. It is a synthetic anabolic steroid related to the natural hormone testosterone.

I spoke very briefly with Mr. Ratner and he was only able to state at this time, "We have a confirmed positive result." I also asked Marc could he elaborate on what type of punishment the commission could impose on Vargas for this type of violation? Marc replied, "It's not appropriate to speculate on the outcome. However, I will say this, Vargas will be afforded complete due process."

The commission plans to file the official complaint early next week with the Deputy Attorney General of Nevada and Vargas will then have thirty-days to respond.

Fernando Vargas is currently vacationing in Hawaii and was not available for comment at this time.

I'm sure you will be hearing a lot more about this breaking news story! What a disappointment coming on the heels of such a great Championship fight that Vargas and De La Hoya performed on September 14th. The fight resulted in Vargas being TKOed in the 11th round.

You have just gone insideBOXING.com.

Ron Brashear can be contacted at brashear@insideboxing.com, ron@brasheargear.com