Billy Joe Saunders didn’t take long to respond to reports he failed a drug test in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency procedure.
The WBO middleweight champion, scheduled to face Demetrius Andrade on October 20, issue a response of ‘s***’ to WBN.
Saunders repeated the words on social media following sensational reports by several outlets in the United States.
Oxilofrine (a stimulant) is named the culprit on the VADA watchlist but is stated by official rules that must be flagged on the day of the fight.
Oxilofrine (also known as methylsynephrine, hydroxyephrine, oxyephrine, and 4-HMP) – is a stimulant drug and is an amphetamine chemically related to ephedrine and to synephrine. – Wikipedia
Recently cleared to fight following a British Boxing Board of Control hearing, Saunders is no stranger to hitting the headlines.
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The Hatfield man was hauled in front of the BBBofC earlier this week due to a video posted online showing the Hatfield man in a bad light.
The 29 year-old was shown in a precarious exchange with an unnamed man and woman. Saunders was accused of offering to sell drugs for sex.
Despite the risk of having his license revoked, Saunders has been given a fine and a warning. This meant he was free to compete on the forthcoming bill in Boston.
Andrade, the undefeated mandatory challenger to Saunders’ title, is due to be in the opposite corner at the TD Garden.
Granted another chance by the Board, Saunders had apologized for his actions.
BBBofC
“Billy Joe Saunders appeared before the Stewards of the British Boxing Board of Control under a misconduct charge. This follows his recent behavior shown on social media,” The British Boxing Board of Control said in a statement.
“The Stewards have found Mr. Saunders guilty of bringing the sport of boxing into disrepute and have fined him the sum of £100,000 and issued a severe reprimand as to his future conduct.
“All monies will go to the BBBofC charity to assist ex-boxers and ex- license holders who have fallen on hard times.”
Just two days later, Saunders was targeted by negativity again, but it remains to be seen if he’ll be facing a ban at this point.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay.
