Alycia Baumgardner returned an ‘adverse analytical finding’ and now faces a ‘full investigation’ following her undisputed world title win over Christina Linardatou.
Baumgarder defeated Linardatou by unanimous decision to retain his WBC, WBO, WBA and IBF super-featherweight belts in Detroit on July 15.
But the American’s promotional company, Matchroom Boxing, confirmed that he registered a bad result in the random test.
The 29-year-old American is the undisputed super-featherweight champion
A statement read: “Matchroom can now confirm that Alycia Baumgardner has returned an adverse analytical finding as part of a random anti-doping protocol initiated voluntarily for her fight with Christina Linardatou in Detroit on July 15.
“Matchroom was first informed of this result on August 12.
“Applicable regulatory authorities are also aware and we defer to such bodies for further action and guidance while a full investigation is carried out.
“Matchroom is committed to promoting a clean and fair game for all athletes, and will assist Alycia and her team at this time, providing her with due process.”
In a statement issued via social media shortly after Matchroom confirmed the news, Baumgardner denied taking any illegal substances and promised to clear his name.
“On August 12, 2023, I was informed that a ‘Sample’ I provided on July 12, 2023 resulted in an ‘Adverse Analytical Finding’ of mesterolone and methenolone acetate metabolites, two substances that I have never had. heard or used in any way,” Baumgardner’s statement read.
“The sample provided immediately after my fight on July 15, 2023 tested clean and negative for all banned substances, as did my sample on June 16, 2023 which made the July 12 result essentially impossible.
“To be very clear, I know that I have never, never, and never take this or any other drug. .
“As a professional athlete, I and I alone are responsible for what I put in my body, and my body is a temple. I am also a proud role model for any young woman or woman. seeking to follow in my footsteps. those responsibilities are very serious – so I know that I have not and will never put these things on my body.
“I have a lot more to say about my journey and why the idea that I’m taking an illegal, banned, or even dangerous substance just doesn’t make sense. . I plan to keep you all updated every step of the way as I work to will ensure that my reputation as a clean athlete remains completely intact.”
The WBC, which co-sanctioned last month’s fight between Baumgardner and Linardatou, confirmed it was investigating after receiving notice of adverse findings stemming from testing conducted by Drug Free Sport.
“The WBC has received notification of an adverse finding as a result of an anti-doping test conducted on a sample collected from the WBC and undisputed Super Featherweight World Champion Alycia Baumgardner,” a statement from sanctioning body read.
“The sample collection that resulted in the adverse search occurred in connection with the July 15, 2023 fight between Champion Baumgardner and challenger Christina Linardatou.
“The adverse finding in question stems 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 in accordance with the WBC Rules & Regulations.”
