Michel Rivera to be suspended six months for failed drug test

Michel Rivera will have to wait at least six months to rebound from his first loss as a pro.

The Dominican lightweight tested positive for two banned diuretics around last December's loss to Frank Martin, and albeit Rivera was quick to blame his team, he was unable to avoid punishment. The 24-year-old will be suspended for six months by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and fined $10,000 of his $100,000 purse.

The diuretics, hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene, help reduce fluid retention and blood pressure.

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.

Although Rivera talked a big game coming into their 12-round affair, it was a one-sided rout from the opening bell for Martin, a protégé of undefeated welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.

After being humbled, we'll see if Rivera can regain his confidence.