Irish boxer fails doping test

Ireland’s Olympic team has been thrown into turmoil on the eve of the Rio Games after it emerged that a boxer has failed a doping test.

The fighter in question, who has not been officially named, has been provisionally suspended following the alleged violation, the Irish Amateur Boxing Association confirmed this afternoon.

In accordance with Irish anti-doping rules, the boxer can request to have a ‘B’ sample tested but will not be allowed to compete until any investigation is concluded.

News of the controversy broke as head coach Zaur Antia and members of his backroom team attended the Olympic draw in Rio’s Barra de Tijuca neighbourhood.

Antia and coaches Eddie Bolger and John Conlan declined to speak to media before leaving the venue.

In a statement issued this afternoon, the IABA said that they were only made aware of the alleged violation, which is understood to have taken place before the team flew out to Brazil Thursday morning.

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