Andre Berto fails drug test prior to his rematch against Victor Ortiz – Boxing News
Andre Berto, former welterweight champion, failed his drug test, due to which his rematch with Victor Ortiz has been called off. This is the second instance this year when a highly anticipated match has been cancelled due to failed drug test. CEO of Golden
Boy Promotions Richard Schaefer made the match cancelation announcement.
Andre Berto was scheduled to take on Victor Ortiz on June 23 but now the event will not happen anymore. Berto’s test showed intake of steroid norandrosterone, a form of performance enhancing drug. While clarifying the situation to the media, Berto’s promoter
said, “I know he tested positive. I have nothing else to say. I don't know all of the details so I have nothing else to say.”
On the other hand, Schaefer said, “Obviously, we are disappointed that Berto's 'B' sample came back positive. I was informed late Saturday of the 'A' sample testing positive and urged an immediate testing of the 'B' sample. We just got the results that the
'B' sample tested positive as well. It's unfortunate. We have to see what happened because I don't know. This is obviously a very unpleasant situation to say the least, but at the same time, there is no room for any form of performance-enhancing drug use in
boxing.”
He added that he does not want to blame Berto for anything but such situations happen and that he should go through all the procedures to keep the sport clean. He further said that he believes by such procedures all athletes will take care of what they should
intake and what they should not. Lastly, Schaefer said that he does not mind fights being cancelled if it is to keep the sport clean and no fighter should be allowed to fight with performance enhancing drugs in his body.
When asked, Berto went on denying using the substance. According to Berto, he is unable to deny the positive test reposts. He added that he has never used any such substance and that he is investigating as much he can to see where it came from.
Berto’s positive test has not only landed his rematch in trouble but also his previous victory over Ortiz.
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