Michel Rivera suspended following positive test for two banned substances

Things have gone from bad to worse for Michel Rivera.

The Dominican lightweight suffered his first pro loss in lopsided fashion to Frank Martin last December 17 at The Cosmopolitian in Las Vegas. And to boot, Rivera tested positive for two banned substances, hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene, both of which are prohibited under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code.

While the matter is investigated by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, Rivera is temporarily suspended pending further review.

The matter remains under investigation by Nevada commission officials, who agreed to extend the temporary suspension pending further review.

Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene are considered diuretics and help reduce fluid retention and blood pressure.

Rivera and his team claim they were misled into believing the substance fell under the guise of vitamins and supplements. However, this claim will likely not result in a lighter punishment.

If precedent is followed, Rivera will likely receive a six-month suspension, coupled with a 15 percent fine of the contracted fight purse. Both Martin and Rivera were paid $275,000, which means the latter would lose approximately $41,250, and be barred from fighting until September.

Martin (17-0, 12 KOs) floored Rivera (24-1, 14 KOs) in the seventh round of their WBA "Regular" lightweight title eliminator en route to a unanimous decision by scores of 117-110, 118-108, and 120-107.