Boxer and marijuana lover, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has been suspended for nine months and fined $900,000 by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The actions stem from a positive test for marijuana by Chavez following his fight with Sergio Martinez in September.
Besides the suspension and fine, Julio Cesar Chavez (46-1-1) also lost the fight, the first of his career. The monetary value represented 30% of his purse, and he could have been suspended for up to a year.
The previous violation from Chavez came in 2009, after his bout with Troy Rowland. For that offense, he received a seven month suspension.
“I’d like to apologize to everyone in boxing,” Chavez told the commission. “I know this has been a very bad thing for me and my career. A lot of things have been said about it and my reputation. I respect boxing a lot. I’ve been in it a long time. I try to do the best I can and will continue to try to do the best I can because I love boxing more than ever.”
The promoter for Julio Cesar Chavez, Bob Arum thought the fine was excessive.
“The nine months is fine, but a 30 percent fine on a purse of $3 million, that’s extortion,” Arum told ESPN.com. “That means Julio has to make a decision — is he going to contest the fine in court or he can elect not to fight ever again in Nevada. There’s no question the nine months is the nine months, but it’s ridiculous money, particularly since you already take out 30 percent for taxes.
“I was hoping for nine months, that worked out. The fine is an absolute stunner. You don’t do that to an athlete. Which athlete in any sport has been fined as much as $900,000?”
