The boxing world was shocked by the news that heavyweight contender Joe Cusumano tested positive for a banned substance in connection with his June fight against Adam Kownacki. In that fight, Cusumano dropped Kownacki in the first round and ultimately won via a barrage of punches in the eighth round.

For Kownacki, this defeat marked his fourth in a row and likely spelled the end of his career. However, if Cusumano cannot prove his innocence, the official outcome of the fight could become a no-contest.

The New York State Athletic Commission is currently investigating the matter, and Cusumano's future in the sport is uncertain. This win over Kownacki had been a significant achievement in Cusumano's career, helping him bounce back after a quick first-round defeat by Daniel Dubois just three fights earlier.

Matchroom Boxing, the promoter for the event, released a statement confirming the adverse analytical finding and expressed disappointment in the news. They emphasized their commitment to regularly testing fighters to ensure a clean and fair sport and deferred to the regulatory authorities for the next steps in the process.

The outcome of this investigation will have implications for both fighters and the sport of boxing, underscoring the importance of maintaining integrity and fairness in professional boxing.

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