Chavez Jr. tested positive for pot after losing title to Martinez

Tests from a post-fight urinalysis conducted by representatives of the Nevada Athletic Commission indicated that Chavez had metabolites consistent with marijuana in his system following the 12-round unanimous decision loss to Martinez at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The post-fight test is only for recreational drugs such as marijuana and cocaine as well as stimulants such as amphetamines – all of which are banned for use by athletes competing in combat sports in Nevada. The results of the pre-fight tests, which include steroids and performance-enhancing drugs, still are pending.

NAC executive director Keith Kizer said Wednesday he still was waiting for the remaining tests to come in before an official announcement is made.

“The commission doesn’t release results until all the tests have been received,” he said. “We should have the results by Friday, Monday at the latest.”

Top Rank, which promotes Chavez, released this statement Wednesday: “Top Rank is reviewing the situation. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will have the opportunity to speak about this situation with the Nevada State Athletic Commission.”

When asked about Chavez specifically as it related to the lone positive test of those who were tested Saturday, Kizer said, “Top Rank’s statement is an accurate reflection of a conversation I had with them on Tuesday.”

If the positive test result holds up, Chavez, 26, faces disciplinary action by the NAC. He could be fined, suspended or both.

This is his second incident involving a banned substance in conjunction with a fight in Nevada. In November 2009, following a 10-round unanimous decision victory over Troy Rowland at the MGM Grand Garden, Chavez tested positive for furosemide, a diuretic that is banned in Nevada. Chavez was suspended for seven months and fined $10,000 by the commission. His win over Rowland was changed to a no contest.

According to NAC rules, a fighter who is a repeat offender could be suspended for 12 months and fined a maximum of 100 percent of his purse. Chavez (46-1-1, 32 knockouts) made $3 million for Saturday’s fight.

If Chavez is suspended, it puts a rematch with Martinez in jeopardy. Martinez said he was willing to give Chavez another chance, but he did not want to fight him at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, preferring the fight take place again in Las Vegas. But in the wake of Chavez’s positive drug test, it’s unlikely a rematch would take place until late 2013 at the earliest.

Ironically, Chavez talked extensively before the fight about his father – the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. – and his battle with drugs and alcohol. Now, he has to answer to charges that he used drugs himself.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.