Ali Funeka Fails Drug Test After Guzman Loss; Suspended
Ali “Rush Hour” Funeka, the 6’1″ South African lightweight who has raised eyebrows in boxing since his title bout against Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell back in February 2008, may now have answered questions as to how he boils his mammoth frame down to the 135 pound lightweight limit.
Following Funeka’s loss to Joan Guzman in their March 27 rematch on HBO, he tested positive for a diuretic called hydrochlorothiazide, which is on a list of substances banned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. This of course is unimaginably ironic considering that Guzman was the one who came under serious fire due to his pre-fight weight of 144 pounds; nine pounds over the lightweight limit. A compromise was reached for the fight to move forward which said that a second weigh-in would be conducted the next morning, where Funeka could not rehydrate to more than 145 pounds, and Guzman no more than 150.
Due to the fact that Funeka made weight and Guzman did not, the vacant IBF 135 pound title was at stake only for Funeka. Unfortunately, the lanky power puncher could not put it together in the rematch against the much faster Guzman, whom it was believed was more energetic as well being that he did not have to drain his body to make the lightweight limit. Funeka lost by split decision, and Guzman immediately made a play for a title fight five pounds north at the junior welterweight limit of 140 pounds.
This revelation regarding Funeka does not help his image, nor does it promise to not kill his career. Since his fight against Nate Campbell, where he also lost by split decision against an opponent who did not make weight, Funeka has been pitied by many in the boxing community for neverhttp://talksic.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post-new.php getting his just due. Though most believe he did not do enough against Campbell to win, the fight was close and many think Campbell’s weight advantage played a factor in his victory. Funeka’s first match-up against Guzman back in November 2009 ended in a highly controversial draw that saw Funeka lose his second opportunity at a championship despite punishing and bloodying Guzman for the better part of the fight.
Though Funeka’s manager disputed that the substance was not banned and was approved with a doctor’s prescription, Funeka was suspended on Friday by the NSAC and has until May 3 to respond.
An unfortunate happening in the boxing world? Yes. An even more unfortunate move for Funeka? Definitely.
