“Winning this fight against Mikaela Mayer means everything,” said Alycia Baumgardner as she trained in order to excel against her opponent. On October 15 last year, they entered the ring in one of the most lethal clashes in recent history. However, on an eventful night, Baumgardner emerged as the winner in the highly anticipated contest through a split decision.
This fight was possibly the physical execution of the long-standing rivalry between the two fighters. It has often been the medium through which they took some lethal jabs at each other. The manifestation of their hostility saw Baumgardner going home with her belts by unifying the IBF and WBO with her WBC title at the super-featherweight class. In the wake of this matchup, both fighters went on their own paths to build their careers. However, this week, Baumgardner seems to have hit a roadblock in the process. And it’s all because of a drug test!
Another Doping Case! This Time? Alycia Baumgardner
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The super-featherweight champion has tested positive for the banned steroid Mesterolone. The sample was collected three days before the fighter managed to retain her title in a fight against Christina Linardatou. It pushed her through the ranks to be revered as one of the best boxers today. However, the drug test seems to have derailed everything she worked for, and Mikaela Mayer agrees.
Alycia Baumgardner’s Undisputed Reign in Jeopardy After Positive Drug Test https://t.co/BOYSCcPTWW pic.twitter.com/A5BPyaRm0X
— BoxingScene.com (@boxingscene) August 16, 2023
In a conversation with Fight Hub TV, the fighter spoke about how disappointing it is to see a fighter in her prime being deterred by drug reports. However, as Baumgardner wishes to challenge the reports, Mayer said a positive test is a positive test. She said, “And very disappointing to hear, assuming it’s true. I mean to me, a positive test is a positive test. I don’t know how she is going to go back and disprove it.”
Speaking further on how such positive tests leave a profound impact on one’s track record Mayer said, “The levels are pretty high from what I saw. So I don’t know, it’s a big question. The problem with having a test like this no matter what the end result is, is that it always be in question. Everything she’s accomplished will always be questioned.”
Baumgarner Disputes the Drug Test Results
In the wake of Matchroom Boxing confirming that the fighter has in fact tested positive on the drug test, she released a statement clearly denying the findings of the report. Matchroom said, “Matchroom can today confirm that Alycia Baumgardner returned an adverse analytical finding as part of a random anti-doping protocol instituted voluntarily for her bout with Christina Linardatou...”
I’m not overthinking this situation. I know me, and stand ten toes down!
Know that!! 💣💣 #andstill pic.twitter.com/hdaZyfQQTK
— Alycia Baumgardner (@alyciambaum) August 16, 2023
The fighter further said, “To be abundantly clear, I know that I never have, never would, and never will take this or any other drug. Not only would doing so be unethical, but it would also be completely contrary to how I’ve trained my entire career.” Baumgardner had taken three tests in total. The two taken after the fight against Linardatou came negative, however, the one taken before the fight came positive.
Also Read: Days After Doping Test Fiasco, Alycia Baumgardner Pens One-Line Message for “Haters”
In the fight against Linardatou, Baumgardner managed to defeat her opponent through a unanimous decision (99-91, 98-92, 98-92). She retained her WBA, IBF, WBC, and WBO super-featherweight titles. But it still remains to be seen if the drug tests will have any implication on the titles she holds.
What do you think of the increasing cases of doping in the boxing realm? Let us know in the comments section below.
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