WBA heavyweight champion Manuel Charr has tested positive for two banned substances, WBN has been informed.
The 33 year-old was due to defend his belt against long-standing mandatory challenger Fres Oquendo on Saturday-week in Cologne but now faces the possibility of being suspended and stripped of his ‘regular’ title.
Charr was flagged under doping conditions with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency, who told ESPN which two substances were found.
”The results of the analysis are as follows: Adverse. Urine specimen number 4256987: epitrenbolone and drostanolone metabolites detected,” said VADA.
WBN contacted Fres Oquendo’s representative in the aftermath of reports filtering through, with Bobby Hitz unsure what happends next.
“Yes, Manuel Charr did test positive and I’m not certain of the status of the fight,“ Hitz exclusively told World Boxing News.
“It’s a shame that once again this happens to Fres. This is the fourth time the opponent has tested positive. I cant imagine why anyone would take such risks knowing the consequences.
“Fres has once again trained very hard and was prepared to bring the title back to the USA.
“Now we just wait and see what lies ahead,” he added.
HISTORY
Previous bouts were set-up with Ruslan Chagaev and Shannon Briggs, whilst Lucas Browne was stripped before he could face Oquendo as number one contender.
Oquendo has been waiting for his opportunity since a majority decision loss to Chagaev way back in 2014.
The fight against Charr is now certain to be called off, as WBN understands. Whilst it’s not clear whether Oquendo will be named champion or another fighter will be drafted in for a vacant shot.
In the current WBA rankings, Trevor Bryan was recently placed at number one as the interim champion. Bryan is one place higher than Alexander Povetkin, who faces Anthony Joshua for the ‘Super’ version this weekend.
Jarrell Miller is behind Oquendo in fourth. Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora, linked to a rematch in December, are fifth and sixth respectively.
More is set to be revealed by the WBA in the wake of the revelation.
