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Zimbabwe boxer banned for doping
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Zimbabwe's rising boxing star, Issa Aliyah Phiri, has been handed a two-year ban after testing positive for Furosemide, a prohibited substance listed under the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) 2024 Prohibited List. The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) announced the sanction yesterday, confirming that the 24-year-old has accepted the ruling and its consequences.
Furosemide, a diuretic, is banned due to its potential to enhance performance and its role as a masking agent for other prohibited substances. Phiri's positive test occurred during a routine doping control at a boxing tournament earlier this year.
In its statement, ZOC elaborated:
"This violation occurred during a tournament where Aliyah was subjected to standard doping controls. Furosemide is prohibited at all times due to its potential to enhance performance and its use as a masking agent for other banned substances.
"Following the positive test, Phiri submitted an application for a Retroactive Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for the substance; however, this application was denied.
"Issa Aliyah Phiri has accepted the charges related to the Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) and acknowledges the consequences of his actions."
As part of the ruling, Phiri will serve an ineligibility period of two years, retroactively effective from March 22, 2024, to March 21, 2026. However, after accepting the charges and cooperating with the investigation by October 21, 2024, Phiri's suspension has been reduced by one year. He is now set to be ineligible until March 21, 2025, with all results since March 22, 2024, nullified.
Rising Career Marred by Scandal
Phiri was a promising talent in Zimbabwe's boxing scene. He clinched the ABU Lightweight belt in a dominant TKO victory over Israel Kamwamba on December 8, 2023, at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale. He followed up with a successful title defense against Tanzania's Saidi Mkola on March 22, 2024, in a grueling 12-round bout that he won via unanimous decision.
Phiri's ban is a significant blow to his burgeoning career. However, his acceptance of responsibility could serve as a cautionary tale for other athletes about the importance of adhering to anti-doping regulations.
The ZOC reiterated its commitment to clean sport, emphasizing that all athletes must uphold the principles of fair play and integrity.
Furosemide, a diuretic, is banned due to its potential to enhance performance and its role as a masking agent for other prohibited substances. Phiri's positive test occurred during a routine doping control at a boxing tournament earlier this year.
In its statement, ZOC elaborated:
"This violation occurred during a tournament where Aliyah was subjected to standard doping controls. Furosemide is prohibited at all times due to its potential to enhance performance and its use as a masking agent for other banned substances.
"Following the positive test, Phiri submitted an application for a Retroactive Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for the substance; however, this application was denied.
"Issa Aliyah Phiri has accepted the charges related to the Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) and acknowledges the consequences of his actions."
As part of the ruling, Phiri will serve an ineligibility period of two years, retroactively effective from March 22, 2024, to March 21, 2026. However, after accepting the charges and cooperating with the investigation by October 21, 2024, Phiri's suspension has been reduced by one year. He is now set to be ineligible until March 21, 2025, with all results since March 22, 2024, nullified.
Rising Career Marred by Scandal
Phiri was a promising talent in Zimbabwe's boxing scene. He clinched the ABU Lightweight belt in a dominant TKO victory over Israel Kamwamba on December 8, 2023, at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale. He followed up with a successful title defense against Tanzania's Saidi Mkola on March 22, 2024, in a grueling 12-round bout that he won via unanimous decision.
Phiri's ban is a significant blow to his burgeoning career. However, his acceptance of responsibility could serve as a cautionary tale for other athletes about the importance of adhering to anti-doping regulations.
The ZOC reiterated its commitment to clean sport, emphasizing that all athletes must uphold the principles of fair play and integrity.
Source - The Herald
