Kenichi Ogawa officially suspended, stripped of IBF belt

Months after controversially defeating Tevin Farmer for the IBF super featherweight title, Kenichi Ogawa has been stripped and suspended for six months after testing positive for synthetic testosterone. Ogawa, who submitted all supplements and medication he was taking to NSAC, tabbed his medication for a skin condition as the cause of the failed test, and considering how brief the suspension is, it would appear that NSAC does not suspect foul play.

Or at least were happy enough with his cooperation to cut him some slack.

The Farmer fight has been changed to a no-contest. Farmer and Billy Dib, originally ordered to fight for an interim title while arbitrators sorted things out, will now duke it out for the freshly vacant belt. They have until May 3rd to negotiate.

Ogawa (22-1, 17 KO) appeared to struggle with Farmer’s (25-4-1, 5 KO) defensive stylings back in December, leaving many observers baffled when the Japanese veteran got the split nod. Now, Ogawa must wait until June 9th to re-enter the ring and make another run at gold.