The demanding world of professional boxing, often a stage for intense competition and drama, recently saw a familiar face issue a clarification. Following boxer Francisco Rodriguez Jr.`s “adverse finding”—a term often synonymous with a positive drug test—after his contest against Galal Yafai in Birmingham last month, speculation naturally arose.
Given trainer Eddy Reynoso`s high profile, particularly as the architect behind Saul “Canelo” Alvarez`s success, and the perception of potential ties, questions about his involvement in the Rodriguez situation surfaced quickly. This is not the first instance where Reynoso has needed to distance himself from doping-related discussions swirling around fighters, adding a layer of weary familiarity to the situation.
In response to the speculation, Reynoso released a statement via the “No Boxing No Life” platform, a brand he is associated with. His message was direct: “I am not Francisco`s coach or manager, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in person just yesterday.” This is the core of his defense – a clear assertion that his relationship with Rodriguez was not one of direct trainer-fighter oversight.
Reynoso elaborated on the nature of the support provided to Rodriguez. He explained that assistance came through the “No Boxing No Life” brand via sponsorship and promotion. This involved arranging fights in collaboration with other entities, aiming to help Rodriguez secure championship opportunities. Reynoso framed this support as being consistent with how the brand aids other fighters, distinct from personal coaching or management responsibilities. He underscored his career philosophy, built on “sacrifice, discipline and dedication,” reinforcing that genuine success, in his view, comes from hard work.
Crucially, Reynoso stated he had “no participation of any kind in that fight, nor was I present at it.” He conveyed frustration at the notion that being associated with a fighter through a photo or brand connection could lead to being held “responsible for situations outside of my work” as a trainer for his established stable.
To further clarify his operational boundaries, Reynoso detailed what his role as a trainer or manager for his actual fighters does not involve. He specified that he does not manage nutrition plans, buy food, provide supplements, or recommend them. Emphatically, he stated, “I certainly don`t give them banned substances.” He reiterated his strong support for drug testing and clean boxing, expressing hope that everyone he collaborates with upholds these principles.
This latest episode unfortunately lands amidst an ongoing situation involving Jaime Munguia, another fighter who was previously associated with Reynoso`s camp. Munguia also returned an adverse finding last year, later confirmed by a B-sample. Reynoso similarly issued a statement at the time denying involvement in Munguia`s circumstances. The WBC is currently investigating the Munguia matter, stating Munguia`s team has been cooperative.
In essence, Eddy Reynoso is once again finding himself in the unenviable position of defending his integrity and methods from the fallout of adverse drug findings involving fighters with whom he has a connection, however distant. His statement aims to draw a clear line between his role as a renowned trainer and the separate issues arising from fighters linked primarily through brand sponsorship or past, less direct association.
