NEW YORK, May 12: James Toney tested positive for anabolic steroids after winning the World Boxing Association heavyweight title on April 30 and could be stripped of his crown according to newspaper reports on Wednesday. Newsday, citing unnamed sources, reported that the 36-year-old American had tested positive for nandrolone after defeating Puerto Rico’s John Ruiz by a unanimous 12-round decision for the title on April 30 at Madison Square Garden.

Nicholas Kahn, an attorney for Toney’s promoter Dan Goossen, was informed by the New York State Athletic Commission Monday that Toney “tested positive for a banned substance that is not a narcotic”, Newsday reported.

New York state rules call for the fight to be declared no contest with any decision regarding possession of a title to be made by the sanctioning body.

WBA rules require the title to revert to the original champion if a triumphant challenger fails of a doping test.

So Ruiz - who retired after the fight but on Monday said he would fight again - might reclaim the crown while Toney faces a potential two-year ban.

Toney looked overweight but became only the third former middleweight champion in boxing history to claim a heavyweight crown, following compatriot Roy Jones and 1890s fighter Bob Fitzsimmons.

Toney’s official drug test results were expected to be released later Wednesday.

The New York Daily News reported that Kahn said the commision has not told him Toney tested positive, only that there was a problem with the test.

Norman Stone, Ruiz’s manager, said he had no knowledge of the situation.

Before any action is taken regarding the crown, an investigation into the handling of the sample is likely and Toney would be eligible for an appeal hearing before a WBA committee.—AFP