After Billy Joe Saunders (26-0, 12 KOs) tested positive for the banned substance, Oxilofrine, a powerful stimulant from the amphetamine family, his WBO middleweight world title fight with Demetrius Andrade (25-0, 16 KOs) became in jeopardy.
Since the news broke last week, more test samples have been collected from both boxers by VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association). Victor Conte, an outspoken anti-doping advocate, provides his opinion on what may come next in this saga of the defamed WBO world champion.
“Bottom line is this, we’re just a few days away from the hearing, and boxing fans will get the opportunity to find out if this going to be a historic decision in the best interest of boxing, which means that they (Massachusetts State Athletic Commission) will uphold this positive drug test and rule in favor of Andrade,” Conte said. “Both fighters signed the VADA enrollment contract. They received the prohibited substances list when they signed it. They both agreed to be tested at all times for the stimulant Oxilofrine. So, BJ Saunders, or his promoters, or anyone else can’t come back and say he didn’t know about this prohibited substance. Let’s just hope that the Massachusetts Commission makes the right decision, and they abide by the true anti-doping gold standard in boxing called VADA.”
The 29-year-old Saunders and Andrade remain on schedule for October 20 from the TD Garden in Boston for the WBO belt. Saunders defended the title last December with a decision win over David Lemieux, his third title defense.
Andrade scored wins over Alantez Fox and Jack Culcay-Keth in 2017, the latter of which won him the WBA light middleweight crown with a split decision victory in Germany.