JERSEY CITY, N.J., Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Super welterweight Fernando Vargas, who boasted about his physical condition before suffering an 11th-round technical knockout against Oscar de la Hoya on Sept. 14, has tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid.
Mark Ratner, the executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commissioner, confirmed that a post-fight urinalysis showed the steroid stanozolol. A complaint is expected to be filed Monday or Tuesday and Vargas will have 30 days to have his case heard before the commission. There is no minimum or maximum penalty for testing positive.
The 24-year-old Vargas (22-2, 20 KOs) appeared bigger and stronger than de la Hoya at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino two weeks ago, but was absorbing several punches without retaliation and was knocked down in the 11th round.
Vargas stormed out of the ring without talking to reporters and was treated at a local hospital.
Vargas' other loss came against former champion Felix Trinidad in December 2000. He won two fights before meeting de La Hoya, a bout that he wanted for several years.
