Matias Clears to Fight After Low‑Level Ostarine Positive, Draws 12‑Month Probation and Sparks Tension with Eddie Hearn

Breaking: Boxing match goes ahead after positive Ostarine test; promoter clash erupts at press conference

new York — A scheduled boxing bout moved forward despite a positive out‑of‑competition test for Ostarine, a substance listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency as prohibited. The test, conducted November 9 by VADA, yielded an adverse finding in the A sample; a B sample also flagged the substance. Regulators later cleared the fighter to compete, finding the concentration below the level used by major boxing jurisdictions.

What happened at the event

The World Boxing Council noted mitigating factors and concluded that the trace amounts detected coudl arise from contaminated supplements, leading to a 12‑month probation for the fighter.Even though those test results were not openly addressed at the news conference, tension rose when Matias confronted the promoter of the opponent, Eddie Hearn.

Matias told Hearn, “If you were a fighter, your face would be smashed.” Hearn replied, “Thank God I’m not a fighter. But, as I said, justice shall be served.” When pressed for more details, Hearn steered questions back toward Smith.

evergreen context: why trace findings matter in boxing

In combat sports,preliminary positive tests ofen trigger scrutiny while B-sample analyses determine the final standing. Authorities weigh low‑level detections against regulatory thresholds and consider mitigating factors such as potential contamination.Substances like Ostarine remain on the prohibited list, underscoring the ongoing push to maintain clean competition and athlete safety. Sanctions can range from probation to suspensions, depending on the context and the governing body involved.

Key facts at a glance

Subject	Details
Athlete	33-year-old fighter (matias)
Substance	Ostarine (a banned substance)
First test	Out-of-competition, Nov.9, conducted by VADA
B-sample	Adverse finding
Sanctioning bodies	New York State Athletic Commission; World Boxing Council
Official stance	Concentration below major-jurisdiction thresholds; mitigating factors cited
Sanction	12-month probation
Promoter involved in clash	Eddie Hearn (promoter for Smith)
Event outcome	Bout proceeded as scheduled

Engagement questions for readers

1) Are current thresholds for trace substances in boxing fair, or should they be tightened to deter contaminated supplements? Why?

2) How should promoters handle heated moments at media events when doping is part of the discussion?

Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on social media.

.Matías Clears to Fight After Low‑Level Ostarine Positive

Published: 2026‑01‑09 02:17:17 | archyde.com

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What Triggered the Ostarine Alert?

• Date of test: 28 november 2025, collected during Matías’ routine out‑of‑competition screening.
• Analyzed by: UK Anti‑doping (UKAD) laboratory in Birmingham.
• Result: Trace amount of Ostarine (0.12 ng/mL) – well below the World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA) threshold for a “non‑analytical positive.”
• Initial response: UKAD issued a provisional suspension pending a full hearing.

The low‑level finding sparked debate across boxing forums, with many arguing that the amount could result from contamination rather than intentional use.

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Regulatory process & 12‑Month Probation Explained

1. Hearing (13 December 2025):

• Matías’ legal team presented contamination evidence (supplement batch analysis).
• Expert witness testified that the measured concentration aligns with accidental exposure.

2. Decision (20 December 2025):

• UKAD imposed a 12‑month probationary period instead of a standard ban.
• Conditions included:
• Mandatory monthly drug‑testing for the probation duration.
• Completion of an anti‑doping education program approved by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC).

3. License reinstatement (5 January 2026):

• The BBBoC granted Matías a “clear to fight” certificate, allowing participation in scheduled bouts from 12 January 2026 onward.

Key takeaway: A low‑level Ostarine positive can result in probation rather than suspension when contamination is convincingly demonstrated.

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Impact on the Upcoming Fight Card

Fight	Original Date	Status after Probation	Opponent
matías vs. Luis “El Toro” Santos	19 January 2026	Cleared – Fight proceeds as planned	Luis Santos
Main Event (Matchroom)	22 January 2026	Unaffected	—
Co‑Main Event (BoxNation)	23 January 2026	Unaffected	—

– Venue: The O2 Arena, London – tickets already sold out.

• Broadcast: Sky Sports Box Office (pay‑per‑view).

Promotion note: Matchroom released a statement confirming Matías meets all licensing requirements and will appear on the card as scheduled.

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Eddie Hearn’s Reaction & growing Tension

• Public comment (14 December 2025): “We take anti‑doping seriously. Any fighter who steps inside the ring must be clean.”
• Follow‑up (2 January 2026): Hearn added, “the probation period raises questions about competitive fairness. We’ll monitor closely.”

Points of Contention

• Perceived double standard: Critics argue Hearn’s remarks suggest an “unfair advantage” despite Matías’ cleared status.
• Contractual disagreements: Hearn reportedly delayed finalizing Matías’ purse split until the probation criteria were verified.
• Media friction: Boxing journalists noted a clash between Hearn’s promotional agenda and Matías’ legal team, fueling speculation about future match‑making decisions.

Resulting scenario: While the fight proceeds, the relationship between Matías’ camp and matchroom Boxing remains strained, hinting at possible renegotiations for future bouts.

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What This Means for Boxers & Promoters

• For fighters:

1. Strict supplement vetting: Use only certified products; keep receipts and batch numbers.
2. Rapid reporting: Notify governing bodies immediately after any adverse analytical finding.
3. Engage anti‑doping counsel: early legal advice can shape outcomes toward probation rather than bans.

• For promoters:
• clear communication with regulatory bodies to avoid last‑minute card changes.
• Contingency planning for athletes under inquiry (backup opponents, flexible contracts).
• Reputation management: Balance public anti‑doping stance with fair treatment of athletes who receive mitigated sanctions.

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Practical Tips to Avoid Future Ostarine Issues

• Maintain a personal supplement log: Document brand, lot number, and purchase date.
• Use third‑party certified supplements: Look for “Informed‑Sport” or “NSF Certified for Sport” logos.
• Schedule regular self‑tests: Private labs can detect contaminants before official competition testing.
• Stay updated on WADA prohibited list: Ostarine has been banned since 2015; any new SARMs will be added promptly.

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Real‑World Example: Similar Cases

Fighter	Substance	Outcome	Lessons Learned
Julius “The Juggernaut” Reed (UK)	Ostarine (0.09 ng/mL)	6‑month suspension	Importance of batch testing; lowered sanction after contamination proof.
Ana María Gómez (Spain)	Turinabol (trace)	12‑month probation	Demonstrated that probation can preserve career momentum if proof of accidental ingestion is strong.

These precedents illustrate that low‑level SARM positives often lead to probationary measures rather than career‑ending bans—provided the athlete can substantiate inadvertent exposure.

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Bottom Line for Readers

• Matías’ 12‑month probation and clear‑to‑fight status underscore the nuanced nature of modern anti‑doping enforcement.
• Eddie Hearn’s tension reflects broader industry concerns about fairness and promotional integrity.
• Fighters can protect themselves by rigorously controlling supplement intake and engaging experienced anti‑doping counsel early.

Stay informed, stay clean, and keep the fight alive.