It’s coming up to three years since Strikeforce heavyweight Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva (15-2) tested positive for a banned substance after winning the EliteXC heavyweight title back in July of 2008.
After the win Silva tested positive for the anabolic steroid Boldenone and was suspended by the California State Athletic Commission for one year and fined $2500. Silva’s camp explained the positive test was for a testosterone booster he uses to counteract low testosterone levels caused by his acromegaly. “Bigfoot” was not exonerated and the suspension still stood.
It’s been well past the one year suspension date and Silva is preparing himself to face Fedor Emelianenko this Saturday in the opening quarterfinal bout of the Strikeforce heavyweight World Grand Prix tournament. He is still dealing with the “stigma” of a positive drug test and would still like to prove his innocence.
“What caused the positive test was a supplement. And I am ready to do any test anytime, anywhere. The supplement that I took that caused this positive result, Novedex, was prohibited after the fact — then it was taken off the market. I could have proved everything. I had the receipts, but was never allowed to prove my innocence.
“Hard, difficult moments make a person stronger. I feel very good mentally. I feel very good physically. I am very excited for this fight. I’m in very good shape. A lot of people are dismissing me in fighting Fedor. But I wasn’t at home eating pizza and drinking soda pops. I was working hard. This is a very bad time to face me.”
Check out the entire interview at ESPN.com and read comments from Fedor Emelianenko.