Commonwealth Games boxing news: Ghana’s Shakul Samed suspended for failed dope test

A Commonwealth Games athlete has been suspended “with immediate effect” due to a failed doping test.

Ghanaian boxer Shakul Samed was Friday suspended by Commonwealth Games chiefs on day one of sporting action in Birmingham after failing a dope test.

The 23-year-old light heavyweight had been due to face Mauritius’s Luc Jean Rosalba in the first round of his competition.

“The Commonwealth Games Federation Anti-Doping and Medical Commission has confirmed that the sample of Shakul Samed, a boxer from Ghana, violated anti-doping rules for the 2022 Commonwealth Games,” read a CGF statement.

“His A sample was found to contain a prohibited substance (diuretic and masking agent — furosemide).

“He has therefore been suspended with immediate effect. He and the Ghana Commonwealth Games Association have been informed.”

Samed, who competed at the Tokyo Olympics, can opt to have his B sample tested before any charge is issued.

AUSSIE FEMALE BOXER MAKES COMM GAMES HISTORY

Erin Smith

Tina Rahimi cried before her first fight – she was nervous, sitting in the change rooms trying to remind herself she had voluntarily signed up for this.

Now just a few years later the Sydney fighter is the Australian featherweight champion, bound for her first Commonwealth Games.

Rahimi, 26, didn’t take up boxing until 2017 – even then it was only for fitness.

“I heard about these women’s only boxing classes and thought I’d try it out,” Rahimi said.

“It was more motivating and everyone could push each other instead of just going to the gym and not knowing what to do.

Tina Rahimi didn’t take up boxing until 2017 and now she is the Australian featherweight champion. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“I remember how amazing it felt, the feeling I got from it and how strong it made me feel. From there I decided to join the mixed adult class and after a few months I really wanted to fight in the ring.”

It took six months of intensive training to prepare for the fight, learning new skills, footwork and improving her fitness.

Rahimi was so nervous before her first fight, in 2018, she cried.

“I didn’t really have much confidence,” she said. “I remember jumping in the ring and I did not feel fit at all. After the first round I was dropping my hands and I remember thinking ‘what am I doing? I am not fit enough for this?’”

“I did get my first win and I was happy but I knew I had to do a lot more if I wanted to continue with the sport.” Hard work proved key for Rahimi, she now sits at 17 and 4 with all four losses coming from split decisions.

Tina Rahimi will be the first female Muslim woman boxer to compete at the Commonwealth Games. Picture: Britta Campion / The Australian

Born in Australia to Iranian parents, the Muslim fighter wears a hijab, long sleeves and tights in the ring. She is the first Muslim woman boxer to compete at the Commonwealth Games.

A fact Rahimi finds overwhelming. “When I first got selected to go to the games I never knew that. I’d never thought of it like that. I just thought I was going to represent Australia,” she said.

“I just want to show everyone that anything is possible and show everyone what I can do.”

Her faith is part of her and forms an important part of her pre-fight routine. “I have all my faith in God, I believe if it is meant to be it will be,” Rahimi said.

While most boxers will listen to music or walk out to the ring to a particular song Rahimi just prays.

“I obviously do my normal training and warm up but I’m constantly praying, praying, praying before I walk out,” she said.

“I ask God to give me the victory and I sit down and really reflect.” Rahimi said her desire to box didn’t raise any eyebrows in her family, especially not from her dad, who was a European and Australian wrestling champion in the 80s and 90s.

“It runs in the family,” she said. “My mum just warned me to take care of my face.”

Returning from Birmingham with a gold medal is just one of Rahimi’s many ambitions. Also on her list is the Olympics – meaning she has put her dream of turning pro on the back burner until at least after Paris 2024.

Originally published as Commonwealth Games boxing news: Ghana’s Shakul Samed suspended for failed dope test