Canelo Alvarez gets six-month ban for failed drugs tests

Canelo Alvarez has been banned for professional boxing for six months for failing two drugs tests earlier this year.

The Mexican middleweight tested positive for fat-burning substance clenbuterol in February and has now been handed a backdated suspension.

Alvarez denied the doping charges, claiming that the positive tests were a result of consuming contaminated meat, but cooperated with the investigation.

A hearing panel voted to hand the fighter a six-month ban rather than a year-long one because of his cooperation, reports BBC Sport.

Alvarez will be eligible to return to the ring on August 17.