Badou Jack is searching for another opponent after Jean Pascal tested positive for three banned substances and was removed from the June 6 pay-per-view card featuring the exhibition between Floyd Mayweather and Logan Paul.
Yahoo Sports reported that Pascal failed tests for Drostanolone, Drostanolone Metabolite and Epitrenbolone.
The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association administered the random drug test.
Pascal, a 38-year-old secondary light heavyweight titleholder, defeated Jack by a split decision in December 2019. The French-Canadian hasn’t fought since that bout.
“My fight with @jeanpascalchamp is OFF as he tested positive for 3 different steroids. We suspected he was dirty the first time around and @Vada_testing confirmed it this time. I’m still fighting on June 6th and my team is looking for a replacement opponent.”
Pascal (35-6-1, 20 KOs) said he plans to prove that he’s not a cheater. He said he has fired his fitness trainer.
“I am shocked and embarrassed,” Pascal said in a formal statement. “I would never voluntarily take illegal substances. I’ve always fought for a clean sport and will continue to do so. I’m one of the first modern boxers to insist on random testing, and I’ve passed countless tests during my 13 years at the highest level of boxing,” Pascal stated.
“I want to assure all my fans that this is an isolated incident, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to prove it. My strength and conditioning coach was fired last night. I realize that no matter what I say, this is a stain on my name, and I’m determined to wash it out.
“If that means I have to come out of pocket for the most advanced 365 days random VADA testing available to boxers, then that’s what I’ll do.”
Jack (23-3-3, 13 KOs) is coming off a shutout decision over Blake McKernan in November.
The Las Vegas-based Swede also tweeted: “Btw … this wasn’t the first time this happened to me. Lucian Bute took steroids for our fight & now Jean Pascal. Are you so scared of a fair fight with me that y’all need to take steroids to fight me? #Cowards @lucianbute @jeanpascalchamp.”
The June 6 card will take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
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