Controversial Boxing Champion Gets Failed Drug Test Result Overturned

WBC Statement on Matias' PED test

The WBC’s ruling, detailed in a statement, hinges on a finding of extenuating circumstances.  The organization concluded that the positive test likely resulted from contaminated supplements, a scenario it deemed reasonably probable.

According to the reports, Matias’ sample contained a very low level of Ostarine detected—0.85 nanograms per milliliter—which the WBC stated was consistent with ostarine-contaminated supplements. 

The WBC also noted Matias’s proactive cooperation, as he had reported his use of eight specific supplements to VADA at the start of his training camp, some of which are known to carry contamination risks. 

“The WBC considered the following facts to be extenuating circumstances… Matías’s documented consumption of supplements known to be contaminated with ostarine,” the official rationale reads. 

This stands in contrast to the typical penalty for an Ostarine offense. Just last year, star boxer Ryan Garcia had his win over Devin Haney overturned to a no-contest and was suspended for a year by the New York State Athletic Commission for testing positive for the same substance.

Matias Faces Disciplinary Action

Despite being found not guilty, Matias is not escaping without consequences. He has entered into an adjudication agreement with the WBC that places him under strict probation for one year from the date of the failed test.

 “Matías shall: (a) be placed on probation for one year from the date of the sample collection; (b) undergo additional random anti-doping testing during the probationary period at his own expense; (c) pay for and participate in a nutrition education program… [and] (d) visit boxing gyms to speak about the dangers of consuming potentially contaminated nutritional supplements,” the WBC mandated. 

The WBC also added that Matias will be suspended indefinitely without further inquiry if he tests positive during his probationary period. 

This outcome allows his highly anticipated WBC junior welterweight title defense against Britain’s undefeated Dalton Smith on January 10th in Brooklyn to proceed as scheduled.

Matias' Fatal Bout

Matias remains in the grim spotlight, a position he has gained under the most tragic circumstances. 

His 2019 victory over Maxim Dadashev was a brutal affair that was stopped by the trainer after the 11th round. Dadashev collapsed afterward, underwent emergency brain surgery, and died four days later at age 28. 

Dadashev’s trainer, Buddy McGirt, was haunted by the outcome, telling ESPN’s Dan Rafael, “It just makes you realize what type of sport we're in, man... My mind is, like, really running crazy right now. Like, what could I have done differently?” 

The fatal bout remains a defining moment for Matias, making any controversy surrounding his conduct particularly sensitive.

With the doping case resolved, the focus now shifts back to the ring. Matias, known for his devastating knockout power, will defend his belt against the rising challenge of Dalton Smith. The WBC’s ruling, while definitive, is likely to be scrutinized by fans as well as critics who will compare it to the harsh penalties given to others for similar violations, questioning the consistency of anti-doping enforcement in a sport where the stakes are always dangerously high.