The number one contender for Deontay Wilder’s WBC World heavyweight title has tested positive for a banned substance.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time Luis Ortiz has failed a drug test. Back in 2014 after a knockout win over Lateef Kayode, Ortiz tested positive for nandrolone, an anabolic steroid.
His second anti-doping violation was confirmed by VADA and WBC chairman Mauricio Suleiman.
@WBCBoxing has received confirmation from @Vada_Testing that Luis Ortiz has tested positive for a banned substance under #CleanBoxingProgram
— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) September 29, 2017
This is Luis Ortiz's second dirty drug test since 2014. 1st negated an interim title victory. This one will to cost him huge title shot.
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) September 29, 2017
So what about the fight itself?
According to promoter Lou DiBella, the bout against Wilder will be cancelled.
“I’m flabbergasted and particularly crestfallen for my fighter. Deontay Wilder is a great champion and a clean champion and probably has been victimized more than any other fighter in the history of the sport,” said DiBella in an interview with ESPN.
Even Wilder himself asked Ortiz not to test positive for this fight since the WBC champ was aware of the Cuban’s previous failed drug test.
DiBella also revealed a possible plan B for the situation.
“Stay clean because we’ll be checking. Stay clean. Don’t f— this up for me, nor you, because I’m gonna prove to the world that I am the best,” said Wilder.
The fight was scheduled for November 4th at the Barclays Center in New York. Ortiz was regarded as Wilder’s toughest opponent to date. Promoter DiBella commented that Wilder might now face Bermaine Stiverne in a mandatory rematch.
Stiverne was Wilder’s original opponent before Ortiz but he accepted a sted aside payment in order for the Cuban to go before him.
Stiverne and Wilder previously fought in 2015 for the WBC belt. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ left the ring as the new champion after a KO victory.
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