SA champ stripped of title

2004-09-27 14:30

Johannesburg - South Africa's national bantamweight champion Vusi Malinga has been stripped of his title and suspended for two years after he tested positive for a prohibited substance.

A Boxing South Africa (BSA) disciplinary committee on Monday also banned stablemate Patrick Malinga for two years for the use of anabolic steroids and also slapped a one-year suspension on their trainer and father, Jabu Malinga, claiming that he should share the guilt as he was in control of preparing both boxers for their respective bouts.

Vusi Malinga was tested after his WBC international title fight against Joel Bauya at Nasrec on April 30 this year and was found to have elevated testosterone levels.

Further out-of-competition tests were conducted between May and August without further notice and conclusively showed that the higher levels were due to the use of anabolic steroids.

BSA have requested Vusi Malinga to make himself available for anti-doping tests during the period of his suspension and to attend a rehabilitation programme.

Furthermore, the WBC will be requested to remove him from its international rankings. Should he be found guilty of a similar offence in the future, he will be banned for life, the committee added.

Brother Patrick Malinga tested positive for anabolic steroids after his April 24 fight against Isaac Hlatswayo on April 24 at Sun City for the SA lightweight title.

- SAPA