Gary Cully expresses fury over Jose Felix five-year drug ban
Disgraced Mexican boxer Jose Felix Soto will not be eligible to fight until 2029
Following his most recent fifth round knockout loss to Lewis Crocker (21-0, 11KOs) in Belfast, Jose 'Josesito' Felix (41-7-1, 31KOs) has tested positive for anabolic steroids, metabolites of methandienone, and stanozolol after UK Anti-doping collected urine samples.
Initially, UKAD placed a provisional suspension on Soto, informing him that he may have committed anti-doping rule violations, however the Mexican said that the illegal substances were ingested through medication to treat an Achilles heel injury.
UKAD said in a statement that the mexican later admitted to the illegal substance use.
“Mr Felix admitted the ADRVs charged and acceded to the five year period of ineligibility asserted by the UKAD”, they stated.
Despite Jose Felix residing in Mexico, the welterweight was bound to the UK Anti-Doping rules after being granted a foreign boxer licence by the British Board of Control.
Suspicion of whether the Mexican boxer was using illegal substances in earlier fights have been present, sparking fury from former opponent Gary Cully (18-2,10KOs) who suspected Jose Felix was using prohibited substances in their boxing match in 2023.
He tweeted: “Felix came in on three weeks’ notice laughing and joking with his traps touching off his ears”.
The Dublin boxer added: “I always had this suspicion but didn’t want to sound like a sore loser, but glad he’s proven to be a cheating rat.”
Cully, who was unbeaten at the time, was defeated via 3rd round knockout against Jose Felix Soto in his hometown, which was a major upset and setback the Dublin boxer who lost his most recent fight against Brit Maxi Hughes.
UKAD have released a statement with details about the five-year ban.
“Mr Felix’s five-year period of ineligibility from all world anti-doping code compliant sport is deemed to have commenced on 24 April 2024 and will expire at 11:59pm on 23 April 2029”, UK Anti-Doping said.
