Lucas Browne: “I will be fighting for as long as it takes to clear my name”

 
LUCAS Browne vows to clear his name after testing positive to Clenbuterol in his post-fight drug test.

 
After an extended silence, Browne and his promoter Hatton Promotions, released an official statement overnight.

 
“I would like to assure all of my fans, the whole of the boxing world and all of Australia that I am not a drug user or a drug cheat.” said Browne in a press release. “The news of this positive test has shocked and devastated me,”

 
“I will be fighting for as long as it takes to clear my name.”

 
It was announced yesterday that Browne’s ‘A’ sample – tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) – tested positive to the prohibited substance following his dramatic win at the Colosseum Sport Hall in Grozny.

 
Browne validates his claims by adding that Clenbuterol serves no purpose to him as a heavyweight.

 
“Prior to today, I had not heard of the drug Clenbuterol and had no idea of what it was used for,” he added.

 
“I am now aware that it is essentially a weight-stripping drug, and as a heavyweight boxer the idea of me using it is utterly ridiculous. I am a staunch long-time opponent of any drug use, performance-enhancing or otherwise.”

 
“My team and I were well aware of the many risks involved in going to a place like Chechnya to fight a reigning champion, and believed we had taken sufficient precautions.”

 
“In addition, it was at our insistence that VADA testing was implemented for this fight.”

 
“I will be in a position to release more details and further comment in coming days.”

 
The joint release also includes a statement from Browne’s promoter, who will open an internal investigation.

 
“Ricky Hatton and Hatton Promotions were made aware late last night that Lucas Browne delivered a positive ‘A’ sample drug test following his world title win over Ruslan Chagaev,” declared Hatton Promotions.

 
“We believe strongly that boxing should be free performance enhancing drugs,”

 
“However, we believe Lucas Browne to be a clean athlete who arrived in Chechnya a clean athlete.”

 
“We are therefore conducting our own investigations and cannot comment further at this time.”

 
 
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