highlight
- Mexican boxer Moises “Taz” Calleros tragically died at the age of 34, shortly after serving a suspension for cocaine use.
- He suffered a heart attack during a training camp for his return to boxing, ending a thriving sports career.
- Meanwhile, the UK Anti-Doping Agency imposed a four-year ban on Calleros following his death, sparking debate over the severity of the punishment.
Veteran Mexican boxer Moises “Taz” Calleros was also banned from boxing for four years after testing positive for cocaine.
Michael Benson said the UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD) was apparently unaware of Calleros' death and only recently suspended him after testing positive following his loss to Galar Yafai last year.
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Moises Calleros reportedly suffered a heart attack
He was reportedly attending training camp.
According to local reports, the 34-year-old boxer was found dead in his Juarez home after losing contact with his family, who discovered his body when they visited his home. Preliminary reports said that Calheros had suffered a heart attack while preparing to return to the ring.
Calleros' death was confirmed by teammate David “El Queñano” Galván, who received the news from Calleros' wife.
The Monclova native won three world titles at flyweight and minimumweight during a decorated 16-year career, competing in 50 amateur bouts and 58 pro bouts with a record of 36 wins, 11 losses and one draw.
His career highlights include participating in the World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight championship in Japan and being crowned WBC North American champion in Mexicali (defeating Eduardo “Rocky” Vacategua in the super flyweight division), as well as winning the WBC strawweight championship in Playa del Carmen, defeating Eduardo “La Menasa” Martinez.
Calleros' last fight was in Ensenada in December of the previous year. He won by knockout. News of his death shocked the boxing community in Mexico and abroad, with many mourning the loss of a dedicated and talented fighter.
While the boxing world remembers Calleros' achievements and contribution to the sport, the impact of UKAD's ban, albeit posthumous, highlights the ongoing challenge of drug use in professional sport.
Some have questioned the validity of such a long-term ban, given the recreational use of the drug.
Who is Galar Yafai?
The late Mexican player lost to a promising British player.
Galal Yafai is a British professional boxer and Olympic gold medallist. Coming from a boxing family in Birmingham, Yafai enjoyed a successful amateur career, winning medals at various European and Commonwealth championships, before going on to win gold in the flyweight division at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Known for his aggressive style and powerful punches, Yafai signed with Matchroom Boxing in 2022 and remains unbeaten as of June 2024. He holds the WBC International flyweight title and was appointed an MBE in 2022 for services to boxing.
