Boxing Update: Alycia Baumgardner Receives the Ultimate Gift on International Women’s Day

Alycia Baumgardner faced a career-defining challenge. Days after a win against Christina Linardatou, she tested positive. Mesterolone, the substance found, cast shadows of doubt. Baumgardner vehemently denied intentional wrongdoing. How could this champion, known for her integrity, stumble so?

The controversy peaked as debates swirled. Was this the end for Baumgardner? Or just a hurdle in her storied career? Not so long ago WBC declared her as not guilty. But it’s today that she received the ultimate gift from them.

Time for Alycia Baumgardner to celebrate!

Upon Alycia Baumgardner’s positive drug test, the boxing community was ablaze with reactions, notably from her opponent Christina Linardatou. Christina unequivocally labeled Baumgardner a “liar and a cheater,” vocalizing her distress over the altered fairness of their bout. The revelation of Baumgardner’s test, which identified banned substances, threw her victory and integrity into question, and Christian asked for all of her belts to be stripped off of her.

Subsequently, the World Boxing Council (WBC) acted, placing Baumgardner on probation. This decision, while not stripping her of her titles, mandated her compliance with rigorous, ongoing testing. It was a move that balanced the scales of justice and due process, acknowledging the complexity of unintentional substance exposure while upholding the sport’s integrity.

Read more: Claressa Shields Brings Up Scandal in Explicit Verbal Spat With Alycia Baumgardner

Amidst the whirlwind of scrutiny and the weight of accusations, Baumgardner’s response was resolute. She turned to Twitter today on Women’s Day, her words echoing her steadfastness: “Suspension being lifted on #InternationalWomensDay is a win!” While Alycia is for sure going to celebrate, not everyone is happy about her being regarded as “not guilty.” One of them was Lou DiBella.

Condemning inconsistency in boxing’s PED oversight

Lou DiBella’s frustration boiled over following the WBC’s decision on Baumgardner’s case. His tweet unleashed a torrent of criticism toward the boxing world’s handling of performance-enhancing drugs. “Not guilty of ‘INTENTIONAL INGESTION’???? I can’t. F**k [boxing],” he exclaimed, his disbelief palpable. DiBella didn’t stop there; he lambasted the entire regulatory framework, questioning the integrity and consistency of PED regulations in boxing.

“Let’s stop making believe that there is any PED regulation in boxing,” he asserted, highlighting a perceived lack of enforcement and rationality. His concluding remark, “Nothing is consistent, enforced, rational, or CLEAN. #Boxing is unclean…and I’m not just talking about PED tests,” underscored his profound disillusionment with the sport’s regulatory inconsistencies.

Also Read: “F**k Boxing”: Renowned Promoter Lashes Out at WBC for Their “Not Guilty” Verdict on Alycia Baumgardner’s Doping Fiasco

How will the sport evolve in response to these challenges, and what steps can be taken to foster a more transparent, consistent, and fair system? Do you consider DiBella’s reaction to Baumgardner’s suspension being lifted fair? Let us know in the comment section below.