Former two-weight world champion, Zolani Tete (30-4), has been banned for four years after testing positive for Stanozolol following Tete’s victory over Jason Cunningham in July 2022. Tete would secure victory inside four rounds.
However, news of the positive test initially did not come to light for five months, with the results only coming to light in November of last year.
Manager of Jason Cunningham, Stefy Bull, at the time of the news of Tete’s failed test, did openly admit that there was a lack of testing before the contest and that the only testing which was conducted was immediate post-fight testing conducted by UKAD.
Frank Warren speaking from York Hall, London, confirmed to IFLTV that Tete had been banned for four years by UKAD (backdated to July 2 of 2022).
Commentating originally on Alycia Baumgardner’s recent failed anti-doping test, Warren added regarding Tete.
“If you cheat, you should be given a lengthy ban, just like what has happened with my guy Tete in the last couple of days. He has been banned.
When IFLTV questioned the length of his ban, Frank confirmed, “He has been given a four-year ban with a year taken off (backdated) because he has been out of the ring for a year. If you cheat, you have got to pay the price.”
The ban given to Tete by UKAD will surely signify the end of the two-weight world champions career, considering he is currently 35 years old, returning to the ring at 38 years old at the earliest if he wishes to resume his boxing career.
Tete became prominent in the industry with a dominating win over the former undefeated IBF bantamweight world champion, Paul Butler, in 2015 and securing a clinical stoppage inside eight rounds.
Following his victory over Butler, Tete would be promoted by Frank Warren and regularly fight in the UK. Tete would be elevated to WBO world bantamweight champion following his win against Arthur Villanueva in 2017. Tete would make three successful title defences before suffering a knockout defeat to John Riel Casimero in 2019.
