US boxing star Alycia Baumgardner tested positive for a banned steroid ahead of her

US boxing champion Alycia Baumgardner tested positive for a banned steroid ahead of her fight with Christina Linardatou last month.

The undisputed super featherweight champion defended her IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO titles with a unanimous decision victory over Linardatou on July 15 in Detroit.

But it has now emerged that the 29-year-old failed a random anti-doping test carried out just a few days earlier. Baumgardner is said to have tested positive for the steroid Mesterolone.

It represents another damaging blow for the sport and comes less than a fortnight after news of Dillian Whyte’s failed anti-doping test, which saw his rematch against Anthony Joshua cancelled. 

‘Another Day! Another battle,’ Baumgardner wrote on social media after rumors of her failed test emerged on Monday. ‘Keep showing y’all faces,’ she added.

US boxing champion Alycia Baumgardner tested positive for a banned steroid last month

But later on Monday, Baumgardner’s promoters Matchroom Boxing confirmed the positive test.

‘Matchroom can today confirm that Alycia Baumgardner returned an adverse analytical finding as part of a random anti-doping protocol instituted voluntarily for her bout with Christina Linardatou in Detroit on 15 July,’ they said in a statement.

‘Matchroom was first informed of this result on 12 August. The applicable regulatory authorities are also aware and we defer to such bodies for further action and guidance as a full investigation is conducted.

‘Matchroom is committed to promoting a clean and fair sport for all athletes, and will assist Alycia and her team during this time, affording her the appropriate due process.

It comes less than a fortnight after news of Dillian Whyte’s failed anti-doping test

‘As we wait to receive more information, Matchroom will not be making any further comment.’

Linardatou’s promoter Lou DiBella took bemoaned a lack of transparency in the sport’s anti-doping protocols.

‘I have been informed that there were adverse PED findings in test(s) of the champion, Alycia Baumgardner,’ DiBella wrote on social media.

‘At this point, I have no specific information; I believe that the Michigan commission and world ratings (organisations) have been informed.

‘Michigan will not confirm anything to me and told me I would need to make a Freedom of Information Act request. I have not heard from the sanctioning bodies yet. PED testing in boxing is a trip.’