AUSTRALIA'S FIRST WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION REPORTEDLY TESTS POSITIVE FOR BANNED SUBSTANCE
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 22 Mar 2016
Australia's first world heavyweight boxing champion Lucas Browne has reportedly tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol and may possibly be stripped of his WBA heavyweight belt.
However, The Melbourne Age newspaper reported that Browne has gotten a lawyer and is set to defend himself against doping allegations after testing positive for the banned substance following his knock-out victory over Ruslan Chagaev in Chechnya earlier this month.
The Age report indicated the Sydney-based West Australian now stands to be stripped of the WBA belt after the urine A Sample came back as positive following testing by the Las Vegas based VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) agency.
In an email to those involved with Browne, including his management team of Matt Clark and retired English great Ricky Hatton, VADA wrote: "This letter is to advise you that the 'A' sample urine specimen number 2998060 collected from Lucas Browne ... has been analysed for anabolic agents, diuretics, beta-2 agonists and stimulants.
"The results of the analysis are as follows: Adverse. Urine specimen contains clenbuterol."
Browne can request a B Sample at his own expense.
The Aussie champion is said to be devastated by the news, with the fight to be ruled a 'no decision' unless he can prove his innocence.
On Tuesday morning Browne tweeted: "I don't understand today's news, and I'm seeking legal advice".
VADA president Dr Margaret Goodman confirmed to Fairfax Media on Tuesday morning that both fighters were tested
before the bout on the request of the BDB (German Boxing Commission), which oversaw the fight.
Browne's breakthrough was celebrated by boxing fans across Australia , with his historic victory propelling him into
history as the first Australian holder of a recognised global heavyweight belt.
He was set to make his first defense in Australia, while potentially making his way up to challenge undisputed world
title-holder Tyson Fury. A local fight against brilliant young Kiwi prospect Joseph Parker may also have been on the
cards.
Browne's camp has questioned the result, suggesting that it would be improbable for such a big man to take a drug that
strips weight. It is also used in medications like ventalin as an airway dilator.
But clenbuterol has also been known to have anabolic effects such as building muscle bulk. Tour de France winner
Alberto Contador and German sprinter Katrin Krabbe are among those who have tested positive in the past to the same
substance.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 8 SEPTEMBER 2025: Nunez Outpoints Diaz; Iglesias Stops Shishkin; Valdez, Conlan Register Wins in Return
By Eric Armit, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Dante Kirkman Stays Undefeated Triumphing with Dominant Unanimous Decision Win
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Dream fight for Steven Sumpter vs. Undefeated Bek Nurmaganbet This Wednesday at Fontainebleau Las Vegas during ‘Canelo vs. Crawford’ Week
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Yoseline Perez and Malachi Georges Advance to Quarterfinals with Wins on Day Five of World Boxing Championships
Tue, 09 Sep 2025GM candidate Ronald Dableo's squad rules Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso Inter-Barangay Chess Team Tournament, pockets P150,000
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Saggap, Manayon top Heritage Aquathlon
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Rizal Memorial Coliseum: The Arena That Endured War and Forged Generations of Filipino Greats
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 09 Sep 2025“The Homecoming” turned into Coronation for Marco Romero
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz Speaks After Pushing Eduardo Nunez to the Limit in Thrilling War – A Potential Fight of the Year
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Santisima Wins But Vicelles Loses; Suarez-Navarrete Rematch Hangs in the Balance?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 08 Sep 2025Locked & loaded for Lewis Crocker rematch, Paddy Donovan has prepared to be crowned the new IBF Welterweight World Champion
Mon, 08 Sep 2025Robby Gonzales Advances to Round of 16 with Win Over Cuba
Mon, 08 Sep 2025James Padua rules Marikina rapid chess championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 08 Sep 2025Remembering Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde: A Pilgrimage of Gratitude
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sun, 07 Sep 2025Hometown Triumph: Oscar Valdez Defeats Ricky Medina by Decision
Sun, 07 Sep 2025