Alycia Baumgardner has officially been cleared by the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) following a months-long suspension that the American undisputed super featherweight champion had to undergo. Presumably, the ABC conducted an investigation into this matter, or Baumgardner provided them with the same documents and information that she apparently provided to the WBC and WBO in order to keep her titles and remain the undisputed champion of her division.
The news was confirmed by Alycia Baumgardner (15-1, 7 KO’s) herself who provided a picture of her BoxRec record on social media which no longer displayed her status as “indefinitely suspended” by the ABC, confirming her exoneration by the organization.
“Through trials and tribulations, I’ve stayed true to my faith in Jesus Christ,” Baumgardner expressed on her X/Twitter account. “Despite public scrutiny and lies, I remain strong and confident. My light shines bright, guided by God’s love. I am a courageous woman, unwavering in my journey.“
Baumgardner was first discovered to have tested positive for the banned substance of ‘mesterolone’ in August following her July 15th bout against Christina Linardatou (14-3, 6 KO’s) which culminated in her successfully defending all her super featherweight titles after defeating Linardatou by unanimous decision (UD).
The revelation of the “analytical adverse finding” of her test came under much scrutiny due to the finding having occurred before her bout with Linardatou, and only unveiled approximately a month after. There was further cause for alarm when it was discovered that it wasn’t the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) that had conducted her drug tests but Drug Free Sports, an unusual choice given VADA presides over most drug tests in combat sports around the world.
In the months following the news of her failed drug test, Baumgardner had announced herself to be cleared on at least two occasions; first when she apparently conducted an independent investigation to self-exonerate herself, and earlier this year when she claimed the WBC had cleared her of intentional doping―despite the WBC having no authority to do so.
The WBC later went on to clarify that they would allow her to keep her WBC 130 lbs title though she would be subject to a probationary period that is set to end on July 12th this year. Their decision came off the back of Alycia Baumgardner providing them with the necessary documents to prove her positive drug sample last year had been a result of contamination.
Prior to the WBC’s decision, the WBO had been the first sanctioning body to ask Baumgardner for clarification or risk being stripped of her WBO title. Presumably, Baumgardner provided the WBO with the requisite information as she was able to retain her title following the 30-day deadline the sanctioning body had imposed on her, yet her suspension by the ABC persisted until Friday, March 8th; the date upon which her suspension was officially lifted.
The news of Alycia Baumgardner finally brings an end to a tenuous and confusing situation that became even more complicated when Baumgardner had declared herself to be cleared amidst the ABC’s indefinite suspension. While the removal of her suspension confirms she is now free to fight, the exact details of the investigation that took place, presumably by the ABC or the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission (UCC)―to whom she is licensed, have not yet been publicly revealed.
It is also unclear on which premise the ABC or UCC cleared her, and whether her stance on a contaminated sample has been supported or acknowledged by either of the organizations.
Several opponents have now emerged for Baumgardner to potentially face. Though unlikely, Claressa Shields is a prospective opponent for Baumgardner due to the back-and-forth the two female fighters had on social media. However, given the difference in weight, with Shields fighting 30 pounds above where Baumgardner currently reigns as the undisputed champion, the possibility of a fight between the two actually occurring is considered marginal unless the fight takes place at Baumgardner’s proposed weight of 147 pounds.
Alycia Baumgardner had further expressed an interest in fighting Katie Taylor (23-1, 6 KO’s) and Chantelle Cameron (18-1, 8 KO’s), but will need to wait on the conclusion of the negotiations between the two fighters. While Cameron had originally hinted at her fighting Taylor in a trilogy fight on May 25th, talks were recently reported to have stalled due to a contract dispute.
In case a fight between Taylor and Cameron doesn’t emerge in May, Baumgardner may soon land herself with the opportunity to face either one of her fellow pound-for-pound fighter, and potentially revitalize Baumgardner’s career in momentous fashion if she manages to beat either fighter in her comeback to the ring.
