In March 2019 NADO Italia has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Maltese boxer Steve Martin after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substances Heptaminol and
Methylhexaneamine (dimethylpentylamine). After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and was heard for the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal.
The Athlete admitted the violation and denied the intentional use of the substances. He explained that he had used a fatburner for weight loss needed to relief his injured meniscus.
The prosecutor finds that the violation was intentional due to the inconsistencies in the evidence and statements provided by the Athlete. He contended that the filed medical information was brief and produced after the Athlete was tested positive. The Athlete failed to apply for a TUE and the fat burner was already used by the Athlete before the alleged meniscus injury occurred.
The prosecutor further finds that the Athlete's weight loss made it possible for him to participate in the 67 kg weight category matches. Also he had admitted the use of the product 19 Anabol Testo to preserve mussle power during weight loss. Finally the prosecutor holds that the used fat burner could not explain the presence of the other prohibited substance Heptaminol found in his sample.
The Tribunal dismissed the Athlete’s explanation and finds that he failed to establish that the violation was not intentional. The Tribunal deems that the medical information was produced only afterwards in support of the Athlete’s defence and his use of the substances in question were not for the recovery of the alleged meniscus injury.
Therefore the National Anti-Doping Tribunal decides on 15 July 2019 to impose a 4 year period of ingeligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the decision.