The World Boxing Association (WBA) has made a decision to remove Jean Pascal from his position as the “regular” light heavyweight champion.
The sanctioning body made their move to penalize Pascal for testing positive for several banned substances. In connection with the WBA’s Clean Boxing Program, Pascal was being tested by VADA while training for last month’s planned rematch with Badou Jack. Their fight was scheduled to be the Showtime pay-per-view co-feature to the Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul exhibition clash.
After the initial positive test, Pascal was removed from the fight. Jack went forward with a late replacement.
Besides the removal of his title, the WBA suspended Pascal for six months.
Pascal tested positive for several banned substances – including epitrenbolone, drostanolone, and drostabolone metabolite.
Pursuant to the WBA’s rules, Pascal was given the opportunity to open the B-sample. In almost every situation, the B-sample comes back with the identical test result as the A-sample.
As stated in WBA rule C.45, no boxer who has tested positive for a banned substance can be ranked, retain a title or participate in a WBA sanctioned fight within six months of the test.
For that reason, the “regular” title held by Pascal is now vacant.
Under the direction of the WBA Medical Committee and the WBA Championships Committee, Pascal is subject to random testing, at his own expense, during 2021.
In line with the WBA Rules, Pascal can submit a request to the sanctioning body to reconsider their decision on his title status.
Credit: BoxingScene
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