UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) authorities recently imposed a four-year ban on a boxer despite his having passed away three months earlier. Mexican boxer Moises Calleros, aged 34, tragically died of a suspected cardiac arrest in February.
Calleros was best known for his bout against British fighter Galal Yafai in April 2023, where he was defeated in the fourth round.
Following this defeat, Calleros had one more match, defeating Gerardo Verde on December 16, 2023, in Mexico.
He was reportedly preparing for another fight when he was found dead in his home.
Ten months after his loss to Yafai, it was revealed that Calleros had failed a United Kingdom Anti-Doping test from that match. Unaware of his death, UKAD announced that Calleros had tested positive for cocaine and consequently issued a four-year suspension.
UKAD’s initial statement on X read:
“Anti-Doping Rule Violation!
Mexican Professional Boxer Moises Calleros has been banned for four years, following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the presence and use of the prohibited substance, cocaine, and its metabolite.“
Fans quickly pointed out Calleros’ unfortunate passing, prompting UKAD to remove the post. The organization then issued a new statement:
“UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has today received information regarding the death of Mexican professional boxer Moises Calleros.
UKAD received this information shortly after publishing details of the outcome from a case concerning Mr. Calleros in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules.
Unfortunately, UKAD had no information regarding Mr. Calleros’ sad passing at the time of publication and has now removed all details of this case from its channels.“
Calleros spent most of his career boxing in Mexico, with the exception of two fights in Japan and the loss to Yafai in London. His legacy includes a record of 37 wins, 11 losses, and one draw. He once challenged for the WBO interim minimum-weight title.
On March 2, Calleros’ Facebook account posted a tribute to his life, as tributes poured in from fans and the boxing community.
