The WBO has recently put out a press release to the public to confirm that they still adhere to a “strict liability” stance when a fighter tests positive for steroid use. The WBO’s press release, which has come come weeks after the WBC cleared Alycia Baumgardner for intentional doping, aims to clarify that any WBO champion that tests positive for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) will face repercussions according to the rules and regulations set by the sanctioning body itself.
In sports, strict liability means that athletes that breach certain rules, standards or regulations―such as the use of PED’s which is prohibited―will still be held responsible for their actions, regardless of whether banned substances came into their body intentionally or not. However, as referenced earlier, the WBC’s decision to ‘clear’ Alycia Baumgardner (15-1, 7 KO’s) shows that not every sanctioning body adopts the same policy which has likely spurred the WBO to remind fighters of their policy in an official statement released on Monday, February 5th:
“Please be advised that in the event any WBO champion (male or female) tests positive for any banned substances, it is not necessary that the WBO demonstrate intent, fault, negligence, or knowing use on the fighter’s part considering that it is the fighter’s duty to ensure that no prohibited substances enter his/her body,” The WBO’s statement reads.
“Fighters are fully responsible for any prohibited substances found to be present in their body.“
Last year, the only active WBO champion that tested positive for the anabolic and illegal substance of mesterolone was the women’s undisputed super featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner. Following her positive drug test, the WBO ordered Baumgardner to clarify why she should remain a champion through a “show cause” notice which required her to provide the necessary evidence and documentation to at least continue to hold onto her WBO title.
While Baumgardner has presumably provided the WBO with a valid explanation on her positive drug test―speculatively through the same documents and evidence she gave to the WBC, the WBO’s recent press statement suggests that will not be enough for her not to face any repercussions.
Though the WBC has exonerated Alycia Baumgardner of intentional use of performance-enhancing drugs―though she has been put on a probationary period, the WBO’s public reminder of their “strict liability” stance can still result in Baumgardner being stripped of her WBO title. However, there is a chance that Baumgardner’s presumed response to the WBO’s “show cause” notice will prevent her from facing such steep consequences.
Regardless of the repercussions that Baumgardner might face, the WBO will be strictly adhering to their strict liability stance going forward and any WBO champion that tests positive for prohibited substances will be penalized according to the WBO’s own rules and regulations. In most cases, this means that any champion can be stripped of their title(s) depending on what substance they tested positive for.
Generally-speaking, while no sanctioning body can outright ban or suspend a boxer for the use of PEDs, they do have the authority to decide whether to remove a fighter from their rankings or force them to relinquish their titles. With their public notice, the WBO appears to aim to promote a cleaner and drug-free sport; reminding fighters, promoters, trainers and managers that they will not tolerate any form of PED-use―whether intentional or unintentional.
