Failed drug test might not keep Hunter from Olympic boxing berth

A positive marijuana test nearly cost Michael Hunter a chance to realize his Olympic dream. However, because of the quirky rules boxing has for determining how to qualify for the Olympics, the 23-year-old Las Vegas heavyweight might get a second chance to represent his country.

If he can stay clean and fight his way to the top, that is.

Hunter was scheduled to compete at the recently concluded AIBA World Boxing Championships in Azerbaijan. But Hunter tested positive for marijuana in August during the U.S. Olympic Trials in Mobile, Ala., and left the team prior to worlds last month. Had he been allowed to compete and finished in the top six, he would have earned his spot into next summer's London Games.

Now, Hunter has to start all over again.

"It was a mistake on my part," Hunter said Tuesday. "The lesson I learned was I need to watch who I'm hanging around with. I made a bad decision, and it could have cost me everything. But I've got a second chance, and I'm going to take advantage of it."

The test, which was conducted Aug. 5 by the United States Anti-Doping Agency and came back positive, publicly was confirmed Tuesday by USADA.

Hunter, who won the gold medal at the Olympic Trials, forfeited his medal and accepted a three-month suspension, effective Sept. 21. Last week he completed a USADA anti-doping educational program, which was part of his penalty.

Because USADA considers marijuana a specified substance, Hunter was eligible to receive a reduced sanction, which was what his three-month ban became. He received credit for time served in August while his case was being adjudicated.

According to a USADA spokesperson, the penalty for Hunter's positive test could have ranged from as little as a public warning to a two-year ban from amateur competition.

Joseph Williams, who replaced Hunter in the world championships, lost in the second round. Out of the 10 weight classes, the U.S. qualified three boxers for the Olympics. Seven weight classes, including heavyweight, remain open.

The process of filling those seven weight classes with Americans begins in March when USA Boxing holds its national championships. The winner of that event would qualify for the final international Olympic qualifying tournament to be held in May in Brazil. Winners of that tournament would earn a spot in the London Games.

"I'm definitely ready to move forward and put it behind me," Hunter said. "I'm going to stay in the gym and keep busy."

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