RIO DE JANEIRO ? Michael O?Reilly of Ireland, a medal contender at middleweight, failed a pre-Olympic drug test and has been provisionally suspended by the International Amateur Boxing Association.
O?Reilly?s A sample was positive and he has the right to have the B sample tested. If the B sample confirms the A result, O?Reilly will be removed from the tournament.
The substance he allegedly tested positive for was not released.
In Thursday?s draw, O?Reilly was given a bye into the second round. He?s supposed to fight for the first time on Aug. 12 against the winner of a bout between Mexico?s Misael Rodriguez and Waheed Karaawi of Iraq. The Rodriguez-Karaawi bout is set for Tuesday.
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association released a statement acknowledging the failure. O?Reilly is not eligible to train with the team during the temporary suspension.
?The Irish Athletic Boxing Association has always maintained a zero tolerance approach to doping and Irish Boxing has been one of the most widely tested sports by the National Anti-Doping Program over the last number of years.
?AIBA?s policy is that doping is contrary to the spirit of sport and every member of the association has a duty to ensure that the sport is free of doping. We ensure our boxers are available for testing in and out of competition.?
