It’s been a crazy 48 hours as rumors circulated on Tuesday night that the women’s undisputed super featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner (15-1, 7 KOs) tested positive for two banned substances. On Wednesday, Dan Rafael reported that Baumgardner “tested positive for banned steroid Mesterolone in 7/12 urine test conducted by Drug Free Sport, 3 days prior to Linardatou fight. Results came back 8/10”.
This was still unconfirmed news until Matchroom Boxing later released a statement saying “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 in Detroit on July 15. Matchroom was first informed of this result on August 12. The applicable regulatory authorities are also aware, and we defer to such bodies for further action and guidance as a full investigation is conducted. Matchroom is committed to promoting a clean and fair sport for all athletes and will assist Alycia and her team during this time, affording her the appropriate due process. As we wait to receive more information, Matchroom will not be making any further comment.”
Baumgardner’s positive drug test report. #boxing pic.twitter.com/WFAk4PMwdo
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) August 16, 2023
Shortly after this was released, the undisputed champ Baumgardner put out a statement of her own. “On August 12, 2023, I was informed that an “A Sample” I proceed 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. 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 12 result essentially impossible.”
“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.”
“As a professional athlete, I and I alone am responsible for what I put in my body, and my body is a template. I am also a proud role model for any young woman or girl who seeks to follow in my footsteps. I take those responsibilities very seriously – which is why I know that I did not and would never put these substances in my body.”
“I have a lot more to say about my journey and why the very idea of me taking an illegal, banned, or even dangerous substance would never make sense. So, I have no intention of sitting back in silence and letting this “play out.” I plan to keep you all updated every step of the way as I work to ensure my reputation as a clean athlete remains fully intact.”
I’m not overthinking this situation. I know me, and stand ten toes down!
— Alycia Baumgardner (@alyciambaum) August 16, 2023
Know that!! 💣💣 #andstill pic.twitter.com/hdaZyfQQTK
There seems to be those that side with Baumgardner as VADA wasn’t used for this fight. A company named Drug Free Sport was used so fight fans are unsure what to make of all of this. The WBC has made a statement and will be conducting their own investigation. The question is whether the other sanctioning bodies will follow suit, or will they proceed in stripping her of their title? These next few weeks should be very interesting.
