The B-Sample for Lucas Browne after testing positive after WBA Heavyweight title winning effort against Ruslan Chagaev in Russia came back positive and he was stripped of he newly won title.
“I’m leaving everything to my lawyer,” Browne said in a statement. “I thank everyone for their support, especially the people and fans of Australia.”
“Browne did challenge the ‘B’ sample, but there were no flaws in the VADA process,” WBA president Gilberto Mendoza told ESPN.com. “It was disappointing since he was the first heavyweight champion born in Australia.”
“The minimum suspension is appropriate due to the circumstances of the negative pre-bout testing only one week before the bout and Browne’s arguments relating to the minimal levels detected and lack of any logical competitive advantage,” the WBA wrote in its ruling.
“Notwithstanding, Browne participated in the bout with a prohibited substance in his system, and regardless of any arguments to the contrary, athletes do not always act rationally or logically when it comes to striving for that competitive edge in competition, whether real or merely perceived.
“Whether Browne knowingly or voluntarily took the prohibited substance is of no consequence concerning the no contest ruling and only carries any weight for purposes of determining the suspension period. The boxer and his representatives are ultimately responsible for what the boxer ingests.”