Alycia Baumgardner, the newly crowned undisputed super featherweight champion of the world, has failed the dope test prior to the very same fight which earned her the undisputed status.
Through an official statement, Matchroom Boxing confirmed that Alycia had an “adverse” result in a test on July 12th, three days before she beat Christina Linardatou via unanimous decision for the undisputed championship at The Masonic Temple Detroit in Detroit, Michigan. The promoter was informed of the result on 12th August and made it known this Wednesday.
“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… Matchroom is committed to promotion a clean and fair sport for all athletes, and will assist Alycia and her team during this time, affording her the appropriate due process,” read the statement.
ℹ️ Official statement on Alycia Baumgardner pic.twitter.com/j7WAxZyZRi
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) August 16, 2023
I know that I never have, never would, and never will take this or any other drug: Alycia Baumgardner
The substances Alycia tested positive for are mesterolone and methenolone acetate metabolites, both of which are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
The sport’s governing bodies await an investigation before deciding what will happen to the WBC, IBF, WBO, WBA, IBO & The Ring female super featherweight world champion, who has a 15-1 record with 7 knockouts.
After knowing the adverse result, “The Bomb” released a statement in which she assures that she is innocent and that she never consumed any prohibited substance.
“On August 12, 2023, I was informed that an “A Sample” I provided on July 12, 2023 resulted in an “Adverse Analytical Finding” of mesterolone and methenolone acetate metabolites, two substances I’ve never heard of or used in any way,” read the statement from Baumgardner. “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 makes the July 12th result essentially impossible.”
She made it clear that the very idea of taking something illegal, prohibited or harmful does not make any sense, that his body is a temple and that he would not harm it with those illegal substances.
“To be abundantly clear, I know that I never have, never would, and never will take this or any other drug. Not only would doing so be unethical, but it would also be completely contrary to how I’ve trained my entire career,” she added.
I’m not overthinking this situation. I know me, and stand ten toes down!
Know that!! 💣💣 #andstill pic.twitter.com/hdaZyfQQTK
— Alycia Baumgardner (@alyciambaum) August 16, 2023