Drug Test on Boxer Bey After Title Fight Positive

A urine test conducted on David Bey following his fight with heavyweight champion Larry Holmes came up positive, the chairman of the Nevada Athletic Commission said today.

“Preliminarily we had a trace of something,” chairman Sig Rogich said of the urinalysis given fighters following each match. “It may be minimal in scope, but we are obligated to test it.

“At this time, until we have the final test results, we have to give the benefit of the doubt to the boxer.”

A final medical report is expected within a week. At that time the full commission will consider the matter.

“It could be something very, very minor--ingredients found in something sold over the counter such as a cold medicine,” Rogich said.

Bey, 28, lost to Holmes in the 10th round of their 15-round International Boxing Federation heavyweight title bout at the Riviera Hotel March 15.

At a post-fight news conference, Bey complained that he had been suffering from a cold all week and felt sluggish going into the ring.

Bey’s drug case is the second one in a month for the Nevada commission.

The urine test for Livingstone Bramble was also positive after he defended his World Boxing Assn. lightweight championship against Ray (Boom Boom) Mancini in Reno on Feb. 16.

The five-member commission has called for a disciplinary hearing on Bramble to determine what, if any, action to take against the boxer.