Intelligence-led testing results in four-year ban for professional boxer
UK Anti-Doping has confirmed that professional boxer Lanre (Larry) Olubamiwo has received a four-year suspension following multiple anti-doping rule violations.
Mr Olubamiwo tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO) on 13 January 2012 following his bout with Sam Sexton. He later admitted to using 13 banned substances, including human growth hormone and anabolic steroids, over a six year period. During this time he competed as an amateur and professional boxer.
He is banned from participation in all sports from 29 February 2012 until midnight on the 28 February 2016. All Mr Olubamiwo's boxing results dating from 1 January 2006 have been disqualified with all medals, titles, and points forfeited.
Following the inception of UK Anti-Doping's Intelligence unit in 2010, the team developed information relating to the trafficking of anabolic steroids, human growth hormone and insulin growth factor from the 2007 American operation RAW DEAL provided by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), resulting in a lead and the subsequent finding.
UK Anti-Doping Chief Executive Andy Parkinson said: "This is an extreme example of someone who has engaged in an intentional and uncompromising doping programme over a sustained period with little or no regard for his own health, the reputation of the sport he competed in, or his fellow competitors."
"The list of substances Mr Olubamiwo admits to taking is both alarming and disappointing. However, he is now banned for a period of four years thanks to information which informed our testing programme. This reinforces the fact that testing in the UK is targeted and intelligence-led, and that law enforcement has an invaluable role to play in the fight against doping."
British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) General Secretary Robert Smith added: "While this case is extremely sad for the boxing community as a whole, it demonstrates that cheats cannot hide and that doping will not be tolerated."
"I would like to thank UK Anti-Doping for their professionalism throughout this case as we continue to work together to ensure the integrity of our sport."
