Former two-weight world champion Zolani Tete tested positive for the banned substance stanozolol and received a four-year ban following his fight with Jason Cunningham in July 2022.

However, the South African has always protested his innocence.

"It's been a tough and long journey and I am happy its finally coming to an end," Tete (29-4, 22 KOs) told The Ring. "In all the investigations my team and I were going through, we still can't really tell what exactly happened from our side.

"The closest answer we could get from Prof. Kintz was that it can only be a contamination, gathering the percentage of substance found and not being found on my toenails as they were tested by the Prof. Personally, I don't accept the ban because I'm a clean and fair athlete."

Tete's manager Mlandeli Tengimfene has stood by his fighter's side and helped him diversify into training where he has been tasked with coaching Azinga Fuzile, Ngxaka Mthokozisi and Lwando Mgabi.

"Zolani has always been a workaholic in all aspects of the fistic sport," said Tengimfene. "When the dark cloud of the PED fell on him, I had to think deeper on how best I can utilize him differently. A four-year ban is not child's play, anything could happen and maybe lose Zolani for good."

Tete, who turns 38 on March 8, has remained involved in the sport's day-to-day aspects and enjoyed the new role.

"Fortunately, I have club-mates still looking up to me regardless of the outcome and made a choice of working with them and help them grow their careers as well," he said. "I'm more motivated now by their improvements since we started working together."

When his ban ends, Tete intends to return to boxing as an active participant.

"Oh yes definitely, my plan is still unfinished," he said defiantly. "It's been a while since I stepped inside the ring, I am looking forward to my comeback fight and getting back to winning ways.

"It's still heart-breaking to be put on hold for this long for something I didn't do but I believe it's all God's work and I'm still standing, Zolani will rise again."

"I told myself that I will not let this setback retire me from the sport I so desire - I will on my own terms - as soon as I accomplish my paused-mission of becoming a three-division world champion. So, come the day I step inside the squared ring I will continue where I left."