‘The White Tyson’ was stopped in ten rounds by the big-punching Aussie in March, although Browne was subsequently banned for six month and stripped of his belt for a positive drugs test.
Browne was found to have Clenbuterol in his system a day after his career-defining win, and is out of action until September at the earliest due to the WBA’s ruling.
Mendoza has confirmed that Chagaev is to be handed back his championship and is now in line for a rematch with old foe Fres Oquendo.
“As per the WBA doping rules, the result of Ruslan Chagaev v Lucas Browne shall be changed to a NC (no contest),” Mendoza exclusively told World Boxing News.
“The loser, Chagaev in this case, if negative – will be reinstated to his previously recognized position prior to the bout.”
On the Oquendo defense, which is part of the WBA tournament to crown one sole champion, Mendoza added: “The decision means we have ordered the start of negotiations (between Chagaev and Oquendo).”
Chagaev defeated Oquendo via a majority decision in July 2014 and looks set for at least one more fight after initially announcing his retirement following the Browne defeat.
