‘I’LL BE BACK’
…banned Catherine Phiri says she regrets her actions
THE drugs former World Boxing Council ( WBC) female champion Catherine Phiri took to lose weight has landed her in trouble as she was slapped with a two-year ban by WBC for failing a drug test.
Furosemide, is a prohibited substance classified under S5 of the World Anti-Doping Agency ( WADA) prohibited list of substances and methods despite not being a performance enhancing drug, but a loop diuretic normally used in management of edema (body swelling) associated with heart failure, liver and renal disease.
Phiri is said to have failed the drug test conducted on February 26, 2022, the night she lost a WBC title fight to Zimbabwean Kudakwashe Tshiwandire.
Phiri however promised to comeback stronger and apologised to all boxing fans and the nation for the negative publicity that comes with her suspension.
According to a statement jointly issued by the Zambia Professional Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (ZPBWCB) and the National Olympic Committee of Zambia, Phiri tested positive to
“The boxer admitted the (presence ‘and use’ of the drug, thus committing an ADRV. She was, in accordance with article 7.4.1 of the ad rules, provisionally suspended, with effect from 10 May 2022,” ZPBWCB chairman Wamunyima Chingumbe and NOCZ President Alfred Foloko said in a joint statement.
Despite accepting to have used Furosemide, Phiri said she has never taken any performance enhancing drug.
“I have been subjected to numerous drug tests during a professional career spanning over 10 years.
“During my preparation for my world title fight I took a drug to help me lose weight quickly not knowing that the drug was on the prohibited list. I did this without the knowledge of my coach and manager. I deeply regret my actions,” Phiri said.