On 5 March, Lucas Browne (24-0, 21 KOs) became Australia’s first world heavyweight champ when he won the WBA World heavyweight title by stopping Ruslan Chagaev (34-3-1, 21 KOs) via 10th round TKO.

That win was in jeopardy, however, when Clenbuterol, a weight reducing drug, was detected in Browne’s “A” urine sample, according to the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), after the fight.

No immediate action was taken until the “B” sample confirmed or repudiated VADA’s original findings.

Under the circumstances, the WBA Championships Committee, in accordance with its rules, has stripped Lucas Browne of his heavyweight title and suspended him for six months.

When that six-month period is over, Browne’s status will be reconsidered, depending on whether or not he intends to return to the ring.

In the meantime, Chagaev will have 120 days to negotiate a fight with Fres Oquendo, who by court order in the United States is entitled to this bout. Oquendo is the mandatory opponent of the winner of the upcoming title fight between WBA interim heavyweight champion Luis Ortiz and #3 ranked Alexander Ustinov.