Antonio Tarver fails drug test!

Tarver (left) at the weigh-in for his most recent fight with Lateef Kayode.

Popular American cruiserweight Antonio Tarver has tested positive for a banned substance in a drug test. The test was carried out straight after his draw against Lateef Kayode on June 2nd. At first, we were unsure as to what he had tested positive for but now it has been confirmed that it was a steroid.

Kayode's manager Steven Feder commented on the situation: "I'm aware of the situation, and I'm going to meet with Lateef this afternoon, and once I do we'll come out with an official comment... We're just very surprised that someone of his stature would even take a risk and even do this. Neither one of us ever thought that someone at this level would ever do this."

The test was carried out by the California State Athletic Commission, who confirmed that Tarver had tested positive. I'm sure that a lot of people will be shocked at this as Tarver is one of the least people that you would expect to take PED's (Performance Enhancing Drugs). He is a controversial character but he isn't the type of guy that you would imagine taking steroids.

This is yet another incident in the boxing world involving a top class, well-know fighter failing a drug test. What makes this one even worse is that it wasn't found out until after the fight. Kayode's health was potentially at risk in that fight and some serious damage could have been caused. 

Something needs to happen now. I can think of four incidents like this that have happened recently right off the top of my head, and I'm sure there are more. The federations, organisations and sanctioning bodies need to stop ignoring this and start getting to work on making our sport safe.

BJ Flores calls out Lateef Kayode...

No.2 WBO, No.4 WBC & No.4 WBA ranked cruiserweight Bj Flores.

Highly ranked cruiserweight BJ Flores is desperately trying to land a fight with Nigerian powerhouse Lateef Kayode. Flores was watching with intent on Saturday night when Kayode took on Antonio Tarver in highly competitive fight. 

"The cruiserweight division is definitely starting to heat up," said Flores, who has probably been the most active world rated cruiserweight in the past year or so. "Both guys fought well and Tarver started a little slow but came on down the stretch. He definitely hurt Kayode and showed he can still punch. The decision being a draw was just. I was leaning towards Tarver but this fight was good for the division. Both guys fought well."

Lateef Kayode.

One of the fighters is on Flores' radar and he wasted no time in calling him out.

"I want to make a formal challenge to Kayode. This is a fight between two top world rated cruiserweights both trying to get into position for the world title. I need a fight like this to make a statement. A dangerous fight! A big fight between two Top 5 world rated guys on Showtime between us will be exciting and bring more notoriety to the cruiserweight division."

"It's no secret that I've wanted Kayode for a long time. After he beat Nick Iannuzzi. I contacted Gary Shaw promotions immediately for a match between us. Well, they went in another direction and I fought Iannuzzi next to make a statement. They said the timing wasn't right. I respect their decision. But now the time couldn't be more right! I have had 3 fights in 8 months and would love to fight Kayode next. He has shown improvements and this fight can be big. We can do it in Springfield, Missouri and sell 5000 seats with this on Showtime or any network! But the truth of the matter is I will fight you anywhere. I just want it to be known that the money is there and we can easily make this happen."

This seems like a fight that is realistic and easy to make. Most of the top guys at cruiserweight are scheduled to face mandatory defences or they are already in preparation for a fight. Both of these guys are free and they both have something to prove. If Kayode doesn't get a rematch with Antonio Tarver then this is the next best fight out there for him.

Lateef Kayode on move to heavyweight, James Toney, Johnathan Banks

EsNewsReporting.com