The World Boxing Association (WBA) withdrew the Light Heavyweight champion status from American Jean Pascal after he tested positive for banned substances and suspended him for six months.

Pascal was supposed to defend his title on June 6th against Badou Jack, who was ranked number 9 at the time. However, on May 14th, during testing conducted by the WBA Clean Boxing Program through VADA, Pascal tested positive for epitrenbolone, drostanolone, and drostabolone metabolite.

Pascal and his team were informed of the situation and given the opportunity to open the “B” test, as established on the WBA rules.

As stated in WBA rule C.45, no boxer who has tested positive for a banned substance can be ranked, retain a title or participate in a WBA sanctioned fight within six months of the test.

For that reason, the title held by Pascal is now vacant and the fighter is subject to random testing, at his own expense, during 2021 and under the direction of the WBA Medical Committee and the WBA Championships Committee.

Any interested party may request a reconsideration of this decision under the WBA Rules.