\n<\/p>\n
The bout proceeds despite Matias returning a positive test for Ostarine, a muscle-growth agent that is on the World Anti-Doping Agency banned substance list, in an out-of-competition sample taken on 9 November by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.<\/p>\n
A B-sample also produced an adverse finding, but the New York State Athletic Commission cleared the 33-year-old to compete, ruling the concentration detected was below the threshold used by major boxing jurisdictions. <\/p>\n
After the initial failed test, the WBC cited “mitigating factors” and concluded the low levels were consistent with accidental ingestion through contaminated supplements. Matias was, however, put on a 12-month probation period with the sanctioning body.<\/p>\n
Although the failed tests were not addressed directly at the news conference, tension simmered when Matias addressed Smith’s promoter, Eddie Hearn.<\/p>\n
“If you were a fighter, your face would be smashed,” Matias told Hearn.<\/p>\n
“Thank God I’m not a fighter,” Hearn replied. “But, as I said, justice shall be served.”<\/p>\n
When pressed by a reporter on what he meant, Hearn sidestepped the question and redirected attention back to Smith.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n