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Boxing

Toney hit with one-year ban

14/06/2007

Former world boxing champion James Toney is to face a one-year suspension after testing positive in a drugs test.

The 38-year-old was handed the ban by the California State Athletic Commission after testing positive for steroids in a May 24th bout in San Jose, California.

His opponent, Danny Batchelder, also tested positive and both have now been banned from boxing for one year and fined $2,500 (£1,268) as a result.

Toney's suspension for drug use is not the first time he has been caught using illegal substances. Two years ago he tested positive for nandrolone when taking on John Ruiz.

He was stripped of the WBC heavyweight title he would have won had his victory held. He has previously been middleweight, super middleweight and cruiserweight world champion, winning 70 of 79 fights in his career.

Both 'Lights Out' Toney and Batchelder have 30 days to appeal the decision. If they fail to do so the suspension will stand.

Toney has won 69 of his 78 fights, with 43 knockouts. His website states: "In high school he not only had the reputation of being a 'gun-packing drug dealer' but also of a talented athlete."

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