The Controversial Ban

Moises Calleros found himself in the spotlight after testing positive for cocaine and benzoylecgonine following his bout against Olympic champion Galal Yafai in April 2023. This outcome triggered Ukad’s intervention, leading to the announcement of a four-year suspension. Unfortunately, this action was marred by a critical oversight: Calleros had died in March 2024.

Ukad’s Acknowledgement of Error

Initially, Ukad proceeded with the suspension without knowledge of Calleros’ death, which led to a swift retraction of their statement upon learning the news.

“Ukad received this information shortly after publishing details of the outcome from a case,” the anti-doping body stated. “Unfortunately, Ukad had no information regarding Mr Calleros’ sad passing at the time of publication and has now removed all details of this case from its channels.”

Moises Calleros: A Boxing Career Cut Short

Moises Calleros, who passed away at the age of 34, left behind a legacy etched in the annals of boxing history. With 37 wins, 11 losses, and one draw, Calleros’ career spanned over a decade, beginning with his professional debut in 2008. Primarily fighting at minimumweight and flyweight, he earned respect for his tenacity and skill in the ring.

A Career of Ups and Downs

Despite falling short in his world title bid in 2018, Calleros remained a formidable presence in the sport, nearing the milestone of 50 professional fights. His journey reflected resilience and dedication, qualities that endeared him to fans and peers alike.

Lessons Learned

The case of Moises Calleros serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and responsibilities involved in anti-doping measures. While Ukad’s commitment to maintaining integrity in sports is commendable, the incident highlights the critical need for accurate information verification before public statements are made.

As the sporting world mourns the loss of Moises Calleros, his memory lives on through the lessons gleaned from this unfortunate episode.