ContinueCruiserweight fighter Enzo Maccarinelli has described himself as "extremely surprised and disturbed" after serving his band for testing positive for a banned substance.
The Welsh fighter, who protests his innocence, failed a mandatory drugs test after methylhexaneamine was found in his system following his fight against Shane McPhilbin in March.
Maccarinelli, a former WBO champion, insists that the substance can be traced to a product he purchased from a combat magazine, and didn't realised it contained the fat burning drug.
In a statement released by the fighter through his promoter Frank Warren, he said:
"I wish to state that this substance was in no way used to gain any advantage in the ring or enhance my performance and whilst I appreciate that it may look that way, I would certainly never cheat or cut corners in my preparation.
I have been tested over 20 times in my career and have never failed any random or post fight doping test, but on this occasion, due to my naivety, I have tested positive for a banned substance."
Maccarinelli was subsequently investigated by the UK Anti-Doping agency and vacated his British title, after being handed a six month suspension.
He continued by understanding the rule and regulations of the BBBofC in terms of its stance on what it deems 'performance-enhancing drugs', and accepted its decision.
"I am very conscious of my reputation within the sport of boxing and even prior to the decision, that has been released today, I promised to fully accept any punishment that was given as a result of this positive test.
"I would like to thank UKAD for their understanding and support in this matter and their punishment which I hope reflects the honesty in which I approached this situation.
"I would further like to thank Robert Smith of the BBBofC for his support and apologise to everyone involved in boxing for any stain on our great sport."
