WBA mandatory challenger Luis Ortiz has been suspended for one year by the championship committee as a result of a failed drug test.
A repeat offender, this was the Cuban’s second time getting caught using performance enhancing drugs. His first offense happened in September 2014 and the suspension that followed ended in May 2015.
This time around, ‘King Kong’ was caught using two separate substances, Chlorothaizide and Hydrochlorathiazide. Though, Ortiz was well aware he was taking both substances but failed to disclose this to VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.
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Ortiz was schedulled to fight Deontay Wilder for the WBC World heavyweight title on November 4th but was then removed from the contest due to his anti-doping violation. He was replaced by Bermane Stiverne.
Here’s the WBA’s explanation of the situation.
“During the WBA’s consideration of Joshua’s objection to the September 25, 2017 Resolution, the WBC reported that Ortiz tested positive for prohibited substances Chlorothaizide and Hydrochlorathiazide during voluntary testing with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (“VADA”). Chlorothaizide and Hydrochlorathiazide are diuretics and potential masking agents.
Such a positive test violates WBA Rules and follows Ortiz’s positive test for steroids in September of 2014. Ortiz’s suspension for the steroid violation ended May 11, 2015.
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After providing Ortiz notice of the positive test and an opportunity to explain and comment before the WBA made a decision on the matter, Ortiz confirmed that he knew he was taking prescription medication for health reasons, specifically for high blood pressure/hypertension, and had been doing so since September 2016.
However, Ortiz did not disclose to his testers that he was taking prescription drugs, never requested a Therapeutic Use Exemption (“TUE”) prior to the positive test, and provided no evidence that he previously disclosed use of such substances in any prior bout. Instead, Ortiz now requests that he not be sanctioned because the substance was for therapeutic use,” according to boxingscene.com
On top of the one year suspension, the WBA detailed what other action they will take against Ortiz.
“As a result of Ortiz’s second positive test for a prohibited substance in a period of three (3) years, the Championship Committee orders as follows:
1. Ortiz’ status and recognition as mandatory contender is revoked. Ortiz is removed from the WBA ratings and suspended from participation in any WBA sanctioned bouts for one (1) year (until September 22, 2018). After March 22, 2018, Ortiz may request his suspension be lifted, which may only be granted in the sole discretion of the WBA.
For the suspension to be lifted, Ortiz must continue to fully participate in the VADA Clean Boxing Program at his expense, shall not otherwise test positive for any prohibited substance or refuse to be randomly tested, and must undergo an independent medical evaluation to determine whether he is medically fit to fight.”
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