Alycia Baumgardner, the undisputed junior lightweight champion, has been placed on a one-year probation by the World Boxing Council (WBC) following a drug testing case. Despite testing positive for the banned substance Mesterolone, the WBC ruled that Baumgardner was “not guilty of intentional ingestion or consumption of a banned substance for performance enhancement purposes.” This decision, revealed by Jake Donovan, means Baumgardner can continue fighting without being stripped of her WBC title.
The ruling came after a comprehensive investigation into Baumgardner’s adverse test results surrounding her victory over Christina Linardatou last July in Detroit. While the WBC found no conclusive evidence of intentional performance enhancement use, they have mandated Baumgardner to undergo a series of random anti-doping tests, the costs of which she must bear. This ruling is significant, as Baumgardner currently holds the WBC, WBA, IBF, IBO, and WBO junior lightweight titles.
As part of the probation conditions, Baumgardner will also collaborate with the WBC to design and implement an anti-doping prevention program targeted at active female boxers. This decision comes amidst ongoing investigations by other sanctioning bodies and the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission, who have yet to make a final ruling on the matter.
In her reaction, Baumgardner has maintained her innocence and complied fully with the terms set by the sanctioning bodies and the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC). The inclusion of the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) aligns with the WBC’s Clean Boxing Program, which Baumgardner’s case falls under.
Baumgardner’s future steps in boxing remain uncertain, although she has mandatory title defenses pending, including against former WBC lightweight titlist Delfine Persoon. Additionally, Baumgardner has expressed interest in a potential superfight with undisputed middleweight champion Claressa Shields, fueling an ongoing rivalry that has captivated the boxing world.
Image Credit: Sky Sports