WATCH: 'First Johns who can take a punch' - Cooper amusingly becomes Tim Tszyu's punching bag
Cooper Johns hadn't done fitness in twelve months - but was put to the test against one of Australia's best fighters!
Lucas Browne, the new WBA heavyweight boxing champion, has tested positive to the banned substance clenbuterol.
The Australian boxer knocked out Ruslan Chagaev on March 5 to win the title, but ESPN is reporting that the ‘A sample’ failed a test administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.
No testing has been done of his ‘B sample’.
A copy of an email sent by VADA president Dr. Margaret Goodman, obtained by the website, read:
“This letter is to advise you that the ‘A’ sample urine specimen number 2998060 collected from Lucas Browne … has been analyzed for anabolic agents, diuretics, beta-2 agonists and stimulants.
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The results of the analysis are as follows: Adverse. Urine specimen contains Clenbuterol.
Mr. Browne has the right to promptly request analysis of the ‘B sample’ at his expense.”
While no official statement has been released by his camp in response to the claims – Browne has expressed his confusion in a tweet:
I don’t understand today’s news, and I’m seeking legal advice…
— Lucas Browne (@bigdaddybrowne1) March 21, 2016
Clenbuterol is an illegal substance on account of its anabolic and catabolic effects.
It promoting muscle growth whilst simultaneously reducing body fat by boosting an athlete’s metabolic rate.
If the 36-year-old does end up being found guilty of using the substance, he will be stripped of his title.
Initial personal thoughts on Lucas Browne's positive test to clenbuterol (1) why would a heavyweight take a weight-stripping drug?!?
— Ben Damon (@ben_damon) March 21, 2016
(2) why would Browne demand the more-stringent VADA replace the Russian body (RUSADA) to conduct drug testing if he was planning to cheat?
— Ben Damon (@ben_damon) March 21, 2016
After his historic win two weeks ago, Browne holds a portion of the WBA heavyweight title that’s split three ways with Tyson Fury (unified world champion), and Luis Ortiz (interim belt holder).
He was expected to fight Puerto Rican Fres Oquendo whose last fight was a majority decision loss to Chagaev in July 2014.
If he was to win that, prime-time fights with David Haye and Tyson Fury would have been firmly on the cards.
Now however, any future fights are in doubt until this matter is resolved.