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.