WBC Orders Rodriguez–Yafai Rematch

The World Boxing Council (WBC) has decided not to suspend flyweight contender Francisco Rodriguez following a positive doping test after his win over Galal Yafai, BoxingScene reports.

Rodriguez’s VADA test under the WBC Clean Boxing Program detected the stimulant heptaminol.

Instead of a ban, the WBC placed Rodriguez on a 12‑month probation, annulled the result of the Yafai bout, reinstated Galal Yafai as interim champion, and ordered a rematch.

Because the fight was held under the jurisdiction of the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC), Rodriguez’s team now awaits the UK regulator’s ruling.

The WBC explained its decision, stressing the use was “accidental, unintentional, unconscious and not aimed at enhancing performance.”

“After a thorough analysis of the facts and scientific data regarding the positive result, taking into account that Mr. Rodriguez acknowledged the circumstances of unintentional ingestion and, furthermore, that in his WBC CBP questionnaire he disclosed use of an over‑the‑counter energy booster listing two prohibited substances, the WBC and champion Rodriguez agreed to a settlement,” the statement read.

The June 21 bout between Francisco Rodriguez (40‑6‑1, 27 KOs) and Galal Yafai (9‑1, 7 KOs) ended in a unanimous decision for Rodriguez—118‑109, 119‑108, 119‑108—with Yafai down in the 12th.

Photo: DAZN