CSAC votes to uphold Silva's ban, fine for positive drug test

Antonio Silva, the one and only ever EliteXC heavyweight champion, had his appeal of a positive drug test result heard before the California State Athletic Commission on Wednesday. The CSAC voted unanimously to fully uphold his suspension and fine.

Silva's positive test, following his July 26 victory over Justin Eilers to capture the title, showed the presence of Boldenone, an anabolic steroid mainly veterinarian in nature. According to representative Bill Douglas, who commented at the time the suspension was announced, the CSAC does not record the level of Boldenone in a fighter's system, as the drug's long half-life in the body make false positives extremely unlikely.

The penalty imposed was a 12-month suspension, retroactive to time of the end of his bout, and a $2,500 fine. Neither was altered at the hearing on Wednesday. Silva will have to sit out of competition until July 26, 2009, and until such time that his fine is paid.