The Russian fighter has released a statement following his positive drug test.
Kickboxer Dmitry Menshikov has disputed claims of misconduct after ONE Championship revealed he tested positive for prohibited substances post his February 14 fight against Tengnueng at ONE Friday Fights 97. ONE confirmed Menshikov`s sample contained fonturacetam and furosemide, both forbidden under their anti-doping rules aligned with WADA. Consequently, he received a six-month ban.
A statement issued via his Swiss legal representatives saw Menshikov refute allegations of deliberate doping. He asserted that he only takes medication prescribed by doctors and steers clear of unverified supplements. While recognizing the potential for contamination, he stressed his previously clean history.
Menshikov`s team criticized ONE`s anti-doping framework, arguing it doesn`t meet WADA standards and describing the appeal route as `unclear` and `inherently unjust`. They recommended against filing an appeal.
Menshikov, who had recently indicated a desire to leave ONE due to lack of fights, implied the timing of the doping announcement might be significant. He told fans, “I wish to assure everyone that I do not use, have not used, and will never use performance-enhancing drugs.”
ONE CHAMPIONSHIP RESPONSE
ONE Championship has rejected Dmitry Menshikov`s allegations regarding the transparency of their anti-doping procedures. Since August 2022, the collection of samples has been handled by International Doping Tests & Management (IDTM), a leading international entity in doping control.
IDTM`s skilled staff gather samples which are then sent to laboratories certified by WADA for testing. IDTM collaborates with major sports leagues globally, including the NBA, NFL, and MLB, which underscores the process`s reliability.
Murray Blackwood 
Gareth Pendleton