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.
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