Alycia Baumgardner claims independent test PROVES she is ‘not a cheat’ after returning a positive drugs finding… and insists she ‘considers the issue resolved’ and is looking for her next fight

• The boxer was positive for mesterolone and methenolone acetate metabolites
• She claimed id urine samples are not fit for purpose after undergoing research
• Baumgardner won her last WBC, WBO, WBA and IBF super-featherweight bout 

Alycia Baumgardner has claimed that an independent test she has taken off her own back proves she is ‘not a cheat’.

American Baumgardner defeated Christina Linardatou to retain her WBC, WBO, WBA and IBF super-featherweight belts on July 15.

After, however, her promotion, Matchroom, revealed that she had returned an adverse finding for mesterolone and methenolone acetate metabolites, which the 29-year-old has denied ever since.

She carried out an independent test including a hair sample in a bid to clear her name, and, on Monday, released a statement saying the findings were negative and that she had researched how false results can come about.

Baumgardner said that she is ‘able to thoroughly and categorically defend’ herself against accusations as the investigation into the findings continues.

WBC, WBO, WBA and IBF super-featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner has again claimed her innocence regarding a doping finding

Baumgardner shared a lengthy statement on Monday explaining how she has carried out her own test

The American claimed her test proves she is ‘not a cheat’ and that she now considers the long-running issue resolved

‘Just a few years ago, I found myself struggling to find purpose and a reason to continue fighting. Today, women and men, but more importantly girls and boys, look to me for inspiration to pursue their goals and bring their dreams to life as I have,’ the statement began.

‘When I’ve spoken of my journey and my fight, I’ve been blessed to witness how my words impact others and aspire hope. It’s in those moments that I’ve seen my purpose. I take it as my personal responsibility to continue to inspire, encourage, and support all who cross my path.

‘As many of you know, a few months ago I was stunned by news of an adverse analytical finding (AAF) attributed to a drug test that I had taken. After that news broke, I asserted to the world that I have never knowingly taken any performance enhancing drug, but I still found myself being accused of cheating. I take my integrity and my reputation seriously, and I would never cheat. So, those accusations hurt, not only because they were untrue, but also because of what they were falsely telling all who look up to me. 

These false accusations threatened my reputation and most importantly my ability to accomplish the goals I set long ago to make an impact on this world by being a beacon of inspiration to all who need hope to keep moving forward.

‘Nevertheless, because I know me, I immediately rejected the very idea of what this AAF implied. I took it upon myself to learn the facts and got to work. I researched and consulted with knowledgeable friends and experts to fully understand the situation I was in. I learned how urine samples should and should not be handled; how they can yield false results and how unreliable urine testing can be. I learned about fairness, due process, and my rights as an athlete. 

‘I learned a lot. As a result, I gained full confidence in my ability to thoroughly and categorically defend myself against the ignorance and accusations.’

Baumgardner argued that urine testing is not fit for purpose and that hair samples should be used in the future

Baumgardner, who boasts a 15-1 professional record, went into detail on how the original findings, found via a random test, should not be deemed accurate.

She claimed that the results from her own test rule out any possibility of intentional doping following the results of the test earlier this year.

Accidental doping remains illegal in sport.

‘Last month, my team and I provided the sanctioning bodies a 22-page (not including 14 technical references) technical report to show in great detail how and why the AAF should not and cannot be trusted nor considered as accurate,’ the statement continued. ‘To date, this comprehensive document is still being reviewed by the sanctioning bodies. But last week, I promised you “BIG NEWS,” so here it is.

‘Today, I am proud to announce that an independent test of a sample of my hair by a reputable laboratory examined the time period from June through August of 2023 and has NOT DETECTED mesterolone or any other endogenous steroid in my body. As you read this statement, these results have been provided to the sanctioning bodies. These results conclusively rule out ANY possibility of intentional doping on my behalf and confirms for all of you that I am what I say I am. What I’ve stated from the very beginning is still true: I never have and never would cheat in the sport that I love and that I’ve been blessed with the gifts and opportunity to competitively dominate.

‘I am a strong advocate for anti-doping and clean sport, especially in boxing. This is why I voluntarily signed up for drug testing years ago. However, just as importantly, I am a strong advocate for the fair treatment of athletes. Testing should be extended and further enhanced because all athletes deserve the “gold standard” and fair treatment for testing. Athletes and their teams need to be informed of the specific details of their testing, who’s performing it, how it will be handled, and what standards will be applied. The results are too important and consequential to take lightly.’

Baumgardner went onto claim that urine sample is not fit for testing, but testing using hair samples should be used going forward.

She also said that she judges the issue to be resolved and that she is ready to fight, though the process is likely a long way from being complete

She welcomes the sanctioning bodies to continue their review into the issue after finding her sample positive

The 29-year-old returned a positive finding for for mesterolone and methenolone acetate metabolites following a fight in July

‘What I’ve learned through this process, and what history has shown, is that urine sample testing is not the highest quality testing available,’ Baumgardner wrote. ‘It’s used because it’s cheap, but it’s neither the most accurate nor the most effective method to test for intentional doping with steroids. Instead, it’s hair sample testing that has been used to confirm results of urine testing due to its superior reliability, accuracy, and ability to identify actual doping cycles.

‘So, to those who have supported me and believed in me without wavering. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. To my sponsors Everlast and Boxraw, thank you for sticking by me and believing in the athlete that you partnered with. To those who doubted me and accused me, I sincerely tried to keep y’all from looking stupid, but oh well lol.. I’ll pray for you anyway.

‘I welcome the sanctioning bodies to continue their review in accordance with their processes; however, as of today, I consider this issue resolved. I am moving forward with my career. I am once again, ready to fight. 

‘I’ve instructed my management to begin negotiating for my next undisputed title defence. One of the most naturally gifted athletes that women’s boxing has ever seen is back. The Queen is coming!’

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