The WBA has stripped its ‘Regular’ welterweight champion Alexander Besputin after the Russian tested positive for the banned substance Ligandrol.
Besputin (14-0, 9 KOs) outpointed compatriot Radzhab Butaev on a Matchroom Promotion in Monte Carlo last November to win the vacant crown, but his glory night was tainted.
The Russian’s A sample came back positive in January and was recently verified by the B sample that confirmed the existence of the drug, which can be used by unscrupulous athletes to increase strength and stamina.
Besputin has been banned for just six months by the WBA who handed out a similar ‘punishment’ to controversial heavyweight Jarrell Miller last year after his failed test before a scheduled fight with Anthony Joshua. Miller has subsequently failed another test with the results of a B sample still pending.
In an ordinary world, the wronged Butaev (12-1, 9 KOs) would be fighting for the vacant title, but this is boxing and the WBA.
Instead, Cuban Yordenis Ugas (WBA No.1) and American Abel Ramos (WBA No.6) will meet for the vacant crown. Both are PBC fighters. The winner must then meet Butaev, bewilderingly rated No.10, at a later date.
Manny Pacquiao, another PBC fighter, is the WBA Super champion at 147lbs.
Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom.