Unbeaten British 122 lb prospect Barry Awad aka Kid Galahad has had a 2 year ban for doping upheld by the UK anti-doping agency after testing positive for a banned steroid following his win over Adeilson Dos Santos in September of last year.
Galahad, a product of the famous Wincobank gym in Sheffield that has produced the likes of Naseem Hamed and current IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook, had claimed that a protein drink had been spiked by his brother – currently in prison – who provided a sworn affadavit to that effect – although the claim was rejected by the UKADA appeals panel.
“On the evidence before this tribunal the athlete has not established on the balance of probabilities how the prohibited substance entered his body.” they concluded.
The ban is to be backdated to the date of the Dos Santos fight, September 20th, and the contest ruled as a disqualification.
UKAD chief executive Nicole Sapstead said;
“Kid Galahad is one of the country’s leading boxing talents and through his own actions he has jeopardised his promising career, and his reputation.
“All athletes, at all levels, need to understand the importance of Strict Liability. They are solely responsible for any banned substance that is found in their system, regardless of how it got there or whether there was an intention to cheat or not.
“The principle of Strict Liability can be challenging for an athlete. They have to ensure that they understand the anti-doping rules and that their family, friends, coaches and athlete support personnel understand them too.
“They need to be aware of the risks their career faces if they test positive, and manage that risk at all times.”
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