AXEL SCHULZ demanded another chance yesterday to win the International Boxing Federation heavyweight title following confirmation that South African Francois Botha had tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid.
Botha beat German Schulz for the vacant title with a controversial points decision on December 9th in Stuttgart but failed a drugs test immediately after the fight.
"It wasn't just a question of finding traces, we found large quantities," revealed Alois Teuber, president of the German professional boxing federation. "The substance was Nandrolone. Its effect depends on whether it is taken over the long or short term. If it is taken over the long term, it aids muscle development and can enhance strength and performance. Now we must wait for the IBF to send their experts before we can carry out the analysis on a second sample."
Schulz stressed "If Botha has cheated, it would only be fair for me to get a second chance. Then I could make amends for my poor performance in Stuttgart. But I'll wait and see the result of the second test."
The analysis of the first sample was carried out at the German Sports High School in Cologne.
