REPORT: ERIK MORALES TESTS POSITIVE FOR PED

According to Sports Illustrated, boxing legend Erik Morales has tested positive for a banned substance just days ahead of his scheduled challenge of world junior welterweight champion Danny Garcia. The Garcia-Morales bout (a rematch of a bout won by Garcia) headlines a Brooklyn, New York show this weekend. According to the report, only Morales' "A" sample was tested so far, so Morales has the right to a "B" sample, or re-test, from the original sample of blood and/or urine he provided.  UPDATE: According to ESPN, the banned substance Morales tested positive for is clenbuterol, which caused a cyclist to receive a two-year ban in 2010. There are three other championship bouts on the show, so even if Garcia-Morales II is scrapped, the show will likely go on. The tests was administered by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), but the decision about whether Morales will be allowed to fight Garcia, which in any event cannot be made until the "B" sample is analyzed, will likely rest with the New York Athletic Commission, which is chaired by the respected Melvina Lathan.  Stay tuned for further details... --Scott Shaffer