Rodriguez Failed US Drug Test Before Yafai Fight, WBC Orders Rematch

Francisco Rodriguez Jr failed a drug test six months before his controversial win over Galal Yafai, it has emerged.

The Mexican boxer, who defeated Olympic gold medallist Yafai via decision in June in Birmingham, tested positive for heptaminol — a banned stimulant — after the fight. But now, it has been revealed that Rodriguez also failed a post-fight drug test in December 2024 in the United States.

December Violation in Texas

Rodriguez’s win over Josue Jesus Morales on 15 December 2024 in San Antonio was changed to a no-contest by the Texas Combative Sports Program after he failed a post-fight test. He was handed a 90-day suspension and a $500 fine.

Although the U.S. commission did not notify other boxing jurisdictions, the suspension was recorded on Boxrec.com as a “rules violation”, a platform accessible by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC).

June Fight & VADA Positive

During his June bout with Yafai, the 31-year-old again tested positive—this time on fight night, under the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), part of the WBC Clean Boxing Program.

Despite winning the fight, Rodriguez is now under investigation by UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) and the BBBofC.

WBC Interim Title Controversy

The bout was for the WBC interim flyweight title, making the winner the mandatory challenger to Kenshiro Teraji’s world title.

The WBC has ruled that Rodriguez did not intentionally dope, blaming an over-the-counter energy booster for the failed test. However, they have reclassified the Yafai bout as a no-contest and have ordered an immediate rematch.

What Happens Next?

• Ukad’s ruling will determine if Rodriguez receives a suspension in the UK.

• The BBBofC has the authority to officially overturn the fight result in Britain after Ukad’s decision.

• Any suspension imposed will only apply within the UK unless other commissions follow suit.

The saga highlights boxing’s lack of a central global governing body, allowing fighters to fall through regulatory cracks across jurisdictions.

Summary Timeline:

• Dec 15, 2024 – Rodriguez wins in Texas, fails post-fight drug test, result changed to no-contest.

• Jun 2025 – Beats Yafai in Birmingham for WBC interim title; tests positive again.

• WBC clears intent, rules fight a no-contest, orders rematch.

• Ukad & BBBofC investigations ongoing.