Home/Boxing

One of the biggest criticisms of the Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul exhibition bout is the lack of ‘Real Boxing’ on show. The idea of a YouTuber facing one of the best fighters in history has not gone down well. And the latest news regarding Jean Pascal will not do the event any favors.

Jean Pascal was preparing to defend his secondary belt against Badou Jack in a high-profile rematch. The organizers even scheduled the bout as the co-main. However, as Pascal tested positive for three different banned substances, his opponent, Jack, now needs a new foe.

USA Today via Reuters

Dan Rafael from Fight Freaks Unite was the first one to break the news. He reported that the Voluntary Anti Doping Association randomly tested Pascal on May 14 and May 17 for his upcoming bout. The results showed the Canadian tested positive for Drostanolone, Drostanolone metabolite, and Epitrenbolone.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

READ MORE: Floyd Mayweather vs Logan Paul: Height, Weight, Record and Every Stat You Need to Know

Mayweather promotions’ Leonard Ellerbe was the one who confirmed this to Rafael. Pascal can still opt to have his B samples tested. However, it is unlikely they will show different results. Thus, pure boxing fans will now miss out on arguably the most exciting pure boxing fight on the card.

Who will Badou Jack face instead of Jean Pascal?

Jack and Pascal fought in an exhilarating bout in 2019. Both fighters knocked each other down, and ultimately, the fight went to the judges’ scorecards where the Canadian took home a close split decision. Thus, the rematch was supposed to settle the score. However, as that it is off, who will Badou Jack face next?

 ‘The Ripper’ took to his Twitter to confirm he is still on the card. “My fight with (Jean Pascal) is OFF as he tested positive for 3 different steroids. We suspected he was dirty the first time around and (VADA) confirmed it this time. I’m still fighting on June 6th and my team is looking for a replacement opponent,” wrote Jack.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Even Ellerbe confirmed they would try to find a replacement rather than take Jack off the card. He told Rafael, “I’m looking for an opponent now, we’re actively looking.” 

Therefore, we may still see ‘The Ripper’ on the card. However, the short-notice replacement bout may not be as exciting as the previously booked one.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What do you make of this news? Do you think Badou Jack should be on the card?

READ MORE: Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul PPV Price Revealed: How to Buy It?