Browne's alleged drugs test failure could open door for Parker

Lucas Browne. Photo /Getty

Australian Lucas Browne has allegedly failed a drugs test following his WBA secondary heavyweight world title victory against Ruslan Chagaev and is likely to be stripped of his belt.

Earlier this month, Browne became the first Australian to win a heavyweight world title, but ESPN's well-regarded boxing writer Dan Rafael has reported that the 36-year-old failed a test for banned substance Clenbuterol in a urine test straight afterwards.

Clenbuterol, a steroid, can help with weight loss and also assists with aerobic capacity.

Rafael has written that the test was carried out by the Las Vegas-based Voluntary Anti-Doping Association and he obtained a copy of the letter in which VADA president Dr. Margaret Goodman wrote, "This letter is to advise you that the 'A' sample urine specimen number 2998060 collected from Lucas Browne ... has been analyzed for anabolic agents, diuretics, beta-2 agonists and stimulants. The results of the analysis are as follows: Adverse. Urine specimen contains Clenbuterol."

Goodman added: "Mr. Browne has the right to promptly request analysis of the 'B' sample at his expense."

Rafael wrote that Browne's manager Matt Clark and promoter Ricky Hatton did not respond to messages from ESPN.com seeking comment.

Browne tweeted this morning: "I don't understand today's news, and I'm seeking legal advice..."

I don’t understand today’s news, and I’m seeking legal advice...

— Lucas Browne (@lucasBrowne) March 21, 2016

Browne's 10th-round knockout victory over Chagaev in Grozny, Russia, came after he was knocked down by the Uzbekistan fighter in the sixth round. It appeared to be a triumph over adversity for the former nightclub bouncer and his success was celebrated by Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker, who tweeted his congratulations.

Parker, who will fight Carlos Takam on May 21 - probably in New Zealand - in an IBF title eliminator bout, is ranked 11th by the WBA but is likely to move up should Browne fail his B sample. The latest WBO rankings have Parker ranked at No1 behind champion Tyson Fury, putting the Kiwi ahead of fighters such as Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko.

Duco Events, the promoters of Parker released a statement this afternoon.

"We don't want to see any drugs in boxing. We will wait for the results of the B sample to come in before making any further comment."