Two-time South Island Golden Gloves boxing champion Shannon Drake sanctioned over cannabis use

A Timaru boxer and two-time South Island Golden Gloves champion has been handed a three-month sanction after testing positive for the use of cannabis.

Shannon Drake, who is in his early 20s, tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the main psychoactive compound in cannabis – during the South Island Golden Gloves boxing competition on June 1.

The ruling, released today, said Drake admitted to the recreational use of cannabis.

“The commission accepted that the use was out of competition and unrelated to sporting performance,” the Sports Integrity Commission said.

Drake went on to win the 75kg Elite Open final of the 2025 South Island Golden Gloves. He’s also won the New Zealand Golden Gloves.

“Mr Drake incurred a three-month sanction, which ended on 30 October 2025. He is now eligible to return to sport.”

THC is banned under the substances of abuse category in the Sports Anti-Doping Rules – which acknowledge that some substances are used outside of sport.

Commission chief executive Rebecca Rolls acknowledged the practical approach to sanctioning under the substances of abuse category, but said it was a reminder to athletes that cannabis is still banned in sport.

“We support this practical approach to sanctioning. However, we hope this stands as a reminder that athletes can and do receive anti-doping sanctions for using banned substances, including recreational drugs like cannabis.”