Reports in both Germany and Finland have claimed that former European champion Erkan Teper failed a drugs test after knocking out British heavyweight David Price.
In July, Price had hoped to win the vacant European belt to elevate himself onto the world scene with victory over Teper, but the Liverpudlian was emphatically stopped by his opponent early in the second round.
After suffering the third high-profile defeat of his career, Price has spent time away from the ring to contemplate his next move, but according to reports that have surfaced over the past 24 hours, Teper tested positive for steroids after his win.
German broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk says that Teper has failed two drugs tests this year, while it is also alleged that the 33-year-old is under investigation for being in possession of doping substances.
No official word has been made, but Price's promoter Kalle Sauerland appeared to confirm the reports on Twitter on Monday morning.
SHOCKING! Fighter was doped in big fight with a 'big' commission. It has taken them FIVE months to report. Wait til you hear it! #disgrace
— Kalle+NisseSauerland (@SauerlandBros) December 21, 2015
Earlier this year, it was revealed that Tony Thompson tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide after getting off the canvas to stop Price in their rematch in July 2013.
It was a defeat that resulted in Price requiring two years to rebuild his career before he lost to Teper, with the former Olympic bronze medallist only being notified of Thompson's offence after he had been knocked out in his last contest.
Darren Plant
