Lucas Browne allegedly tests positive for ostarine
FOR the second time this year, undefeated heavyweight Lucas Browne has failed a drug test.
Browne, 37, has been training for several weeks with head trainer Rodney Williams in Sydney, with the duo deep into their preparation for a looming WBA heavyweight title fight against Shannon Briggs.
However, that fight now appears to be on the back burner after Browne allegedly failed a test issued by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association as part of the WBC’s Clean Boxing Program.
Ironically, it was the WBC who administered the test, despite Browne being scheduled to fight for the WBA’s secondary version of the heavyweight championship. In an interview with ESPN, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed the positive test result for banned substance ostarine, which is also known as enobosarm.
BREAKING NEWS: Heavyweight Lucas Browne, due to fight for the vacant WBA "regular" title, has failed his second… https://t.co/9ro4gk5fne
— Dan Rafael (@danrafaelespn) November 22, 2016
Confirming Lucas Browne volunteered for random testing & a test this month showed traces of ostarine. No statement from Lucas or Hatton yet.
— Ben Damon (@ben_damon) November 22, 2016
“We have been notified by VADA about Browne’s adverse finding as he was tested under the CBP,” said Sulaiman. “He has been notified, and the process is being attended as per the protocol.”
Browne (24-0, 21 KOs) has not fought since March, when he scored a thrilling come-from-behind victory over reigning WBA heavyweight titleholder Ruslan Chagaev in Grozny. In the weeks following the highly publicised win, it was announced that both Browne’s A and B samples had tested positive for clenbuterol.
After serving a six month suspension, Browne swiftly re-entered the WBA’s heavyweight ratings, shortly before being mandated to fight Briggs.
Browne’s team, led by US-based attorney Leon Margules, manager Matt Clark and promoter Hatton Promotions are yet to release a statement in relation to the alleged positive test.