David Benavidez, the WBC super middleweight champion, is currently serving a suspension until 19th February 2019 due to testing positive for benzoylecgonine, a substance associated with cocaine. The test was conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) in mid-September as part of the WBC Boxing program.
Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz recently announced that Benavidez is scheduled to return to the ring in March 2019. With a record of 20-0, including 17 knockouts, Benavidez was preparing to fight challenger Anthony Dirrell before the suspension. Lewkowicz stated that the boxer is expected to make his comeback during the second week of March.
Benavidez will participate in a ten-round fight upon his return. Regarding the substance use incident, it was explained that the young athlete was partying at the time and has since learned from his mistakes. At 21 years old, Benavidez had previously signed a contract with Top Rank but had to return a signing bonus of $250,000.
During Benavidez’s suspension, the Champion in recess title became vacant, allowing any contender to vie for it. However, Benavidez has expressed his determination to reclaim his title and is eyeing a match against the winner of the bout between Avni Yildirim and Anthony Dirrell in March.
