Suspension dangles over WBO champion, Joe Saunders

A possible suspension is dangling over World Boxing Organisation (WBO) middle weight champion, Billy Joe Saunders following an adverse drugs test.

Already, the Massachusetts State Athletic Commission (MSAC),is yet to clear Saunders licence to defend his middleweight title against Demetrius Andrade. The fight is due in Boston on October, 20.

Saunders, 29, returned an adverse finding in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) test in August.

The WBO is yet to comment but there is a chance Saunders could lose his title.

Saunders was set to meet Andrade at Boston’s TD Garden in the fourth defence of the world title he claimed in 2015.

Eddie Hearn, who promotes Andrade, has said he would look to secure a bout for the vacant title in the event Saunders is stripped by the WBO.

The Matchroom boxing boss said he has “signed a contract” for Namibian Walter Kautondokwa to face American Andrade.

Under World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) and Ukad rules, oxilofrine is only banned in competition, meaning a fighter is only in breach of rules if it is found in his system on the day of a bout.

But it is prohibited at all times by Vada, who tested Saunders on 30 August.

Saunders however insisted he is a “clean fighter to the bone”, while his promoter Frank Warren said the substance was in a “common decongestant nasal spray”.