Browne releases initial VADA test results, proclaims innocence

 
LUCAS Browne and his team have left no stone unturned as they attempt to prove his innocence.

 
Earlier today, the heavyweight fronted a media gathering in Perth, where Browne released previous VADA test results, which cite that the Australian tested negative for any banned substances upon arriving in Chechnya.

 
In addition to this, Browne released a statement issued by Hatton Promotions, addressing the situation.

 
“I made it clear to the public last week that I intended to do all that I can to clear my name after the devastating news of the positive drug test following my defeat of Ruslan Chagaev for the WBA heavyweight world championship,” said Browne.

 
“I am now able to report to you that on February 29th shortly after having arrived in Chechnya I was subjected to a randomly timed drug test by VADA. This was a test of blood and urine. The post-fight test was a urine only test.”

 
“I would like to again stress it was myself and my team who requested the bout be subject to VADA testing,”

 
“I now hold clear evidence that this test was a negative test and shows clearly that I arrived in Chechnya a clean athlete,” he continued. “Hatton Promotions have made this information available to the media today.”

NEGATIVE | @bigdaddybrowne1's first test result in Chechnya, proving he left Australia with a clean system #boxing pic.twitter.com/Dee5fAOxzk

— Aus-Boxing.com (@ausboxing) March 30, 2016

 
“Following that clean test I ate only at the hotel in which we were hosted and at the meal following the boxers media weigh-in. The water I drank on the night of the fight was sealed bottled water.”

 
“I wish to make it clear that I have at this stage no reason to take issue with the VADA testing of me in and around this fight. Given the result of the A sample I have no reason to believe that the B sample will provide any different results to the A sample.”

 
“My teams’ investigations will now concentrate on the period of time between the clean test on February 29th and the fight itself on March 5th. I maintain that I did not knowingly consume any banned substance, including the Clenbutrol found in my system in that time.”

 
“My team have worked tirelessly in support of me and I thank them for this and their unwavering faith in me,”

 
“I want to thank the public, friends, fans, family and sponsors for their understanding and support of the situation I find myself in also,” he concluded. “I will continue to do all that I can to clear my name.”

 
The World Boxing Association (WBA) is yet to make a formal decision on the status of their championship.

 
 
Photo: APP