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Canelo Alvarez temporarily suspended, fight with Golovkin in jeopardy

Andrew Couldridge / REUTERS

Canelo Alvarez has been temporarily suspended by the Nevada Athletic Commission for testing positive for the banned substance clenbuterol, executive director Bob Bennett told MMA Fighting's Marc Raimondi on Friday.

Alvarez will have a hearing before the commission on April 10, putting his rematch with Gennady Golovkin - scheduled for May 5 in Las Vegas - up in the air.

The 27-year-old middleweight blamed his failed drug test on contaminated meat from Mexican cows in March, a claim Golovkin later mocked. The commission did not immediately act when Alvarez announced his failed test, but have been investigating the case since that time.

Meat containment in Mexico has resulted in athletes testing positive for banned substances (clenbuterol in particular) in the past. The NAC has suspended fighters who have tested positive for clenbuterol before, though this is the first time Alvarez has been flagged for a banned substance.

Alvarez fought to a draw against Golovkin last September, leading to the much-anticipated rematch that is now in danger of falling through.

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