“It’s Been Mentally Challenging… Financially Draining”: Months After Failed Doping Test, Alycia Baumgardner Opens Up About Challenges She Is Facing to Prove Her Innocence

Alycia Baumgardner has been going through a hailstorm of problems, as she detailed the entire ordeal recently. Back on 15 July 2023, the unified super featherweight queen went up against Christina Linardatou, having suffered a loss against her before. Though she managed to pull off a unanimous decision win, on 10 August, she tested positive for two banned substances, the result of samples collected on 12 July. 

Three months later, as reported by Boxing Scene, the WBO had issued a ‘Show Cause’ letter to the Fremont, Ohio native. Wherein she had to present why the WBO World Championship Committee should not declare her titles vacant. As the titles aren’t declared vacant yet, it can be assumed she was able to convince the panel. Despite that, the past few months haven’t been easy for her, something she detailed during today’s The Big Podcast with Shaq.

Alycia Baumgardner proclaims her innocence

Right off the back, after ‘The Bomb’ Baumgardner introduced herself, Shaq O’Neal, the host of the show, pressed her about the whole doping fiasco. It’s worth mentioning that the two substances that were found in her system are Mesterolone and methenolone acetate metabolites. Coming back to the podcast, the undisputed super featherweight champion stated, “This whole ordeal has been a lot, just to say the least. It’s been mentally challenging. It has been financially draining in a sense.”

However, Baumgardner suggested that she was standing her ground during the whole ordeal. She added, “I’ve been very vocal with my fans, very vocal with the media, with the sanctioning bodies to show scientific evidence and why I have always been a clean athlete and that I support clean athletes.” Baumgardner highlights the fact that boxers don’t have a union for support, so they have to do everything on their own. 

Later in the podcast, Baumgardner claims, “I’ve never cheated. I never doped in my life to be ahead.” Baumgardner claims she is confident in her stance about being innocent. “I’m still here. I will be out very soon to defend my titles,” Baumgardner explained. However, this isn’t the first time ‘The Bomb’ has spoken about the situation.

Baumgardner highlights her second drug test

On 16 August, the Detroit, Michigan resident issued a public statement claiming, “I was informed that an ‘A Sample’ I provided on July 12, 2023, resulted in an ‘Adverse Analytical Finding’ of Mesterolone and methenolone acetate metabolites, two substances I’ve never heard of or used in any way.” She went on to highlight the results of a second test taken immediately after her fight against Linardatou. 

“The sample provided immediately after my fight on July 15, 2023, tested clean and negative for all banned substances…which makes the July 12th result essentially impossible,” said Baumgardner. She also argued her innocence regarding the situation, “To be abundantly clear, I know that I never have, never would, and never will take this or any other drug.”

Also Read: Amidst Alycia Baumgardner’s Doping Fiasco, Claressa Shields Taunts Friend-Turned-Rival After WBO Demands Clarification

It’s been five months since Baumgardner tested positive for the banned substances, but she is still facing the ramifications. However, the unified champion seems adamant about proving her innocence, so only time can tell if her efforts bear fruit. Do you suspect any wrongdoing?

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