Alycia Baumgardner returned 'adverse analytical finding' and now faces 'full investigation'
Matchroom Boxing have released a statement confirming their Undisputed super-featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner has failed a pre-fight doping test.
A statement read: "Matchroom can today confirm that Alycia Baumgardner returned an adverse analytical finding as part of a random anti-doping protocol instituted voluntarily for her bout with Christina Linardatou in Detroit on July 15. Matchroom was first informed of this result on August 12.
"The applicable regulatory authorities are also aware and we defer to such bodies for further action and guidance as a full investigation is conducted.
"Matchroom is committed to promoting a clean and fair sport for all athletes, and will assist Alycia and her team during this time, affording her the appropriate due process."
Rumours circulated all day on Wednesday, August 16, until journalist Dan Rafael reported that the 29-year-old from Detroit failed a Drug Free Sport test for the anabolic steroid, Mesterolone.
It was a pre-fight test that took place three days before she faced challenger Christina Linardatou this July 15 on a Matchroom card from her hometown, however, the results weren’t known until nearly a month later. The unwelcome news comes in the same month Londoner Dillian Whyte also failed a drug test, scuppering his chances of a rematch with Anthony Joshua on August 12.
The agency – Drug Free Sport – isn’t as common in boxing as other sports, but their comprehensive drug testing is used by 300+ college and professional organisations worldwide.
"The Bomb" Baumgardner (15-1, 7KO) became undisputed after defeating Elhem Mekhaled in February this year. Her July 15 fight with Christina Linardatou was the first defence of her undisputed championship. It was also a rematch to even the score, after Linardatou had previously defeated Baumgardner in her seventh fight back in 2018.
As a WBC champion, the American athlete will be enrolled in their Clean Boxing Programme, which uses the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency to test. the released their own statement below.
World Boxing Council Report – Alycia Baumgardner
"The WBC has received a notification of an adverse finding resulting from an anti-doping test conducted in a sample collected from WBC and undisputed Super Featherweight World Champion Alycia Baumgardner. The sample collection that resulted in the adverse finding took place in relation with the July 15, 2023 bout between Champion Baumgardner and challenger Christina Linardatou.
"The adverse finding in questions arose from a sample collection and anti-doping test administered by Drug Free Sport, and not as part of the WBC Clean Boxing Program. Accordingly, the WBC will initiate a notification, investigation, and results management procedures for WBC World Championship bouts consistent with the WBC Rules & Regulations."
Article sponsored by HÖRFA