The sanctioning body has now made it official, as the World Boxing Association's World Championships Committee announced that Ortiz was handed a one-year suspension, and immediate removal from the rankings, due to his failed drug test where he came up positive for chlorothiazide and hydrochlorothiazide.
In the WBA's resolution, it was indicated that Ortiz's suspension will last until September 22, 2018. Ortiz will also need to stay involved in the WBA's testing program, which is regulated by VADA.
"The status and recognition of Ortiz as the mandatory challenger has been revoked, Ortiz was removed from the WBA rankings and suspended to participate in any fight for a WBA title for one year," reads the letter delivered to the Cuban puncher.
"In order for the suspension to be removed, Ortiz must continue to participate in the VADA Clean Boxing Program at his own expense, and not test positive for any prohibited substance or reject a randomized test, in addition to a medical evaluation to determine if he is fit to fight. "
Ortiz also failed to properly submit a request to have his B-sample examined.
"He has the chance to appeal but the issue of drugs and clean sports is very important and things can not be like that, you are positive or negative and accept it," Mendoza told ESPN Deportes.
"He did not make a proper request for the B-sample to get tested, he did it verbally and it's not the right thing, he had to do it in writing or by his lawyer, we gave him time to do it before the WBA made their decision and he did not do it."
Luis Ortiz Suspended For One Year By WBA For Failed Test
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Ruthless-RKO
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
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WBA Explaination in Full Resolution
BACKGROUND FACTS
On September 25, 2017, the WBA Championships Committee issued Resolution No. 20170915117 clarifying the Heavyweight Division in light of Vladimir Klitschko’s retirement, and authorized Super Champion, Anthony Joshua (“Joshua”), to face the IBF’s mandatory, Kubrat Pulev (“Pulev”), before facing the WBA mandatory, Luis Ortiz (“Ortiz”). Joshua objected to Ortiz’s status as the mandatory based on the negotiations, and subsequent announcement that Ortiz would be fighting the WBC Champion, Deontay Wilder (“Wilder”), for the WBC Championship.
II. ORTIZ’S SECOND POSITIVE TEST FOR PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES
During the WBA’s consideration of Joshua’s objection to the September 25, 2017 Resolution, the WBC reported that Ortiz tested positive for prohibited substances Chlorothaizide and Hydrochlorathiazide during voluntary testing with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (“VADA”). Chlorothaizide and Hydrochlorathiazide are diuretics and potential masking agents.
Such a positive test violates WBA Rules and follows Ortiz’s positive test for steroids in September of 2014. Ortiz’s suspension for the steroid violation ended May 11, 2015.
After providing Ortiz notice of the positive test and an opportunity to explain and comment before the WBA made a decision on the matter, Ortiz confirmed that he knew he was taking prescription medication for health reasons, specifically for high blood pressure/hypertension, and had been doing so since September 2016. However, Ortiz did not disclose to his testers that he was taking prescription drugs, never requested a Therapeutic Use Exemption (“TUE”) prior to the positive test, and provided no evidence that he previously disclosed use of such substances in any prior bout. Instead, Ortiz now requests that he not be sanctioned because the substance was for therapeutic use.
When Ortiz’s justification was presented to VADA, VADA explained the following: Mr. Ortiz's test was performed under the WBC's Clean Boxing Program (CBP), which is administered by VADA. In other words, the applicable "rules" are the WBC-CBP Policy on TUE's, not VADA's (although the policies are very similar).
Sections 6 and 7 of the CBP's TUE Policy read as follows:
6. An application for a TUE will not be considered for retroactive approval except in extremely rare cases where:
a. emergency treatment or treatment of an acute medical condition was necessary, or
b. due to exceptional circumstances, there was insufficient time or opportunity for an applicant to submit, or the CBP to consider, an application prior to doping control.
7. The Athlete MUST inform the CBP as soon as possible by fax or email if one of these circumstances occur. A TUE will not be considered for retroactive appeal if there is a failure to timely inform the CBP of the exceptional circumstances."
Despite multiple opportunities to do so, Mr. Ortiz never declared that he was using a banned substance, nor sought a TUE prior to the test. Retroactive therapeutic use exemptions are only granted in the rare circumstances enumerated above, which is in line with other anti-doping programs worldwide. This is important in anti-doping, as allowing for retroactive TUE's would provide athletes a way to game the system by seeing whether or not they test positive and only alert the testing authority about a banned substance they've been knowingly taking if they test positive.
As a result of the positive test, Ortiz’s scheduled bout with Wilder for the WBC Championship was cancelled.
III. ANALYSIS
A. Boxers, their representatives, and promoters are obliged to “know and be familiar with all Associations rules.” WBA Rule C.14.
B. The WBA Ratings Committee and Chairman have sole discretion in ranking boxers and may consult and consider WBA ratings guidelines, ring performance, regional titles, bout activity or inactivity, failure to participate in WBA bouts and any other factor the Committee deems relevant. WBA Rule B.5-8.
C. No boxer who has tested positive for a prohibited substance can be rated, or be permitted to participate in a sanctioned bout for no less than six (6) months from the date of the positive test. WBA Rule C.45.
D. The WBA rules and medical guidelines adopt the prohibited substances list as identified by the International Olympic Committee (“IOC”), WBA Rule E. 24. The IOC has adopted the prohibited list published by WADA. Chlorothaizide and Hydrochlorathiazide are prohibited substances.
E. The Ratings Committee may demote or remove a boxer from the ratings for failure to comply with WBA Rules and for positive prohibited substances tests. WBA Rule B.6.
F. WBA Rule C.27 states:
Title Vacation and/or Removal of Recognition. A boxer’s title, status, or recognition may be lost, removed, or vacated for any of the following reasons:
a. Loss in a bout (see Rule C.15);
b. Violation of Association rules; or
c. Suspension, charges, or criminal conduct alleged or found by a national, state, or provincial agency.
IV. DECISION
As a result of Ortiz’s second positive test for a prohibited substance in a period of three (3) years, the Championship Committee orders as follows:
1. Ortiz’ status and recognition as mandatory contender is revoked. Ortiz is removed from the WBA ratings and suspended from participation in any WBA sanctioned bouts for one (1) year (until September 22, 2018). After March 22, 2018, Ortiz may request his suspension be lifted, which may only be granted in the sole discretion of the WBA. For the suspension to be lifted, Ortiz must continue to fully participate in the VADA Clean Boxing Program at his expense, shall not otherwise test positive for any prohibited substance or refuse to be randomly tested, and must undergo an independent medical evaluation to determine whether he is medically fit to fight.
On September 25, 2017, the WBA Championships Committee issued Resolution No. 20170915117 clarifying the Heavyweight Division in light of Vladimir Klitschko’s retirement, and authorized Super Champion, Anthony Joshua (“Joshua”), to face the IBF’s mandatory, Kubrat Pulev (“Pulev”), before facing the WBA mandatory, Luis Ortiz (“Ortiz”). Joshua objected to Ortiz’s status as the mandatory based on the negotiations, and subsequent announcement that Ortiz would be fighting the WBC Champion, Deontay Wilder (“Wilder”), for the WBC Championship.
II. ORTIZ’S SECOND POSITIVE TEST FOR PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES
During the WBA’s consideration of Joshua’s objection to the September 25, 2017 Resolution, the WBC reported that Ortiz tested positive for prohibited substances Chlorothaizide and Hydrochlorathiazide during voluntary testing with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (“VADA”). Chlorothaizide and Hydrochlorathiazide are diuretics and potential masking agents.
Such a positive test violates WBA Rules and follows Ortiz’s positive test for steroids in September of 2014. Ortiz’s suspension for the steroid violation ended May 11, 2015.
After providing Ortiz notice of the positive test and an opportunity to explain and comment before the WBA made a decision on the matter, Ortiz confirmed that he knew he was taking prescription medication for health reasons, specifically for high blood pressure/hypertension, and had been doing so since September 2016. However, Ortiz did not disclose to his testers that he was taking prescription drugs, never requested a Therapeutic Use Exemption (“TUE”) prior to the positive test, and provided no evidence that he previously disclosed use of such substances in any prior bout. Instead, Ortiz now requests that he not be sanctioned because the substance was for therapeutic use.
When Ortiz’s justification was presented to VADA, VADA explained the following: Mr. Ortiz's test was performed under the WBC's Clean Boxing Program (CBP), which is administered by VADA. In other words, the applicable "rules" are the WBC-CBP Policy on TUE's, not VADA's (although the policies are very similar).
Sections 6 and 7 of the CBP's TUE Policy read as follows:
6. An application for a TUE will not be considered for retroactive approval except in extremely rare cases where:
a. emergency treatment or treatment of an acute medical condition was necessary, or
b. due to exceptional circumstances, there was insufficient time or opportunity for an applicant to submit, or the CBP to consider, an application prior to doping control.
7. The Athlete MUST inform the CBP as soon as possible by fax or email if one of these circumstances occur. A TUE will not be considered for retroactive appeal if there is a failure to timely inform the CBP of the exceptional circumstances."
Despite multiple opportunities to do so, Mr. Ortiz never declared that he was using a banned substance, nor sought a TUE prior to the test. Retroactive therapeutic use exemptions are only granted in the rare circumstances enumerated above, which is in line with other anti-doping programs worldwide. This is important in anti-doping, as allowing for retroactive TUE's would provide athletes a way to game the system by seeing whether or not they test positive and only alert the testing authority about a banned substance they've been knowingly taking if they test positive.
As a result of the positive test, Ortiz’s scheduled bout with Wilder for the WBC Championship was cancelled.
III. ANALYSIS
A. Boxers, their representatives, and promoters are obliged to “know and be familiar with all Associations rules.” WBA Rule C.14.
B. The WBA Ratings Committee and Chairman have sole discretion in ranking boxers and may consult and consider WBA ratings guidelines, ring performance, regional titles, bout activity or inactivity, failure to participate in WBA bouts and any other factor the Committee deems relevant. WBA Rule B.5-8.
C. No boxer who has tested positive for a prohibited substance can be rated, or be permitted to participate in a sanctioned bout for no less than six (6) months from the date of the positive test. WBA Rule C.45.
D. The WBA rules and medical guidelines adopt the prohibited substances list as identified by the International Olympic Committee (“IOC”), WBA Rule E. 24. The IOC has adopted the prohibited list published by WADA. Chlorothaizide and Hydrochlorathiazide are prohibited substances.
E. The Ratings Committee may demote or remove a boxer from the ratings for failure to comply with WBA Rules and for positive prohibited substances tests. WBA Rule B.6.
F. WBA Rule C.27 states:
Title Vacation and/or Removal of Recognition. A boxer’s title, status, or recognition may be lost, removed, or vacated for any of the following reasons:
a. Loss in a bout (see Rule C.15);
b. Violation of Association rules; or
c. Suspension, charges, or criminal conduct alleged or found by a national, state, or provincial agency.
IV. DECISION
As a result of Ortiz’s second positive test for a prohibited substance in a period of three (3) years, the Championship Committee orders as follows:
1. Ortiz’ status and recognition as mandatory contender is revoked. Ortiz is removed from the WBA ratings and suspended from participation in any WBA sanctioned bouts for one (1) year (until September 22, 2018). After March 22, 2018, Ortiz may request his suspension be lifted, which may only be granted in the sole discretion of the WBA. For the suspension to be lifted, Ortiz must continue to fully participate in the VADA Clean Boxing Program at his expense, shall not otherwise test positive for any prohibited substance or refuse to be randomly tested, and must undergo an independent medical evaluation to determine whether he is medically fit to fight.
Last edited by Ruthless-RKO on 03 Nov 2017, 06:26, edited 1 time in total.
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
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WBA Prez: Luis Ortiz is Repeat Offender, Suspension Was Needed!
The undefeated Cuban puncher was also suspended until September 22, 2018 - but he has the right to file an appear.
The sanctions came down because Ortiz had failed pre-fight drug test in connection with this Saturday's event, which features the return of WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Wilder was originally scheduled face Ortiz, but the Cuban fighter was pulled from the bout after failing a pre-fight drug test. He was eventually replaced by Bermane Stiverne.
The WBA's anti-doping program is regulated by drug testing agency VADA.
Because the WBC's testing program is also regulated by VADA - the WBA recognized the failed result and began their own investigation.
Ortiz and his team have long claimed that the substances in question are related to the boxer's prescribed medication for high blood pressure.
But the big issue at hand, is Ortiz and his team members never advised VADA that he was taking that medication when he entered the testing protocol.
According to WBA President Gilberto Mendoza, a suspension was the right move because Ortiz is a repeat offender with another failed test several years ago when he won the WBA's interim title with a first round knockout of Lateef Kayode in Las Vegas.
"He's been given a year [suspension] because he's a repeat offender and the WBA's world championship committee thought it was the best solution for this situation. It's not the first time [for Ortiz], there was a failed test in Nevada [for anabolic steroids in 2014]/ This time it's an independent program and we respect the results from VADA and the drug testing program of the World Boxing Council and we must be firm, we were talking about this in the medical seminar [of the WBA's convention]," said Mendoza to ESPN Deportes.
The sanctions came down because Ortiz had failed pre-fight drug test in connection with this Saturday's event, which features the return of WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Wilder was originally scheduled face Ortiz, but the Cuban fighter was pulled from the bout after failing a pre-fight drug test. He was eventually replaced by Bermane Stiverne.
The WBA's anti-doping program is regulated by drug testing agency VADA.
Because the WBC's testing program is also regulated by VADA - the WBA recognized the failed result and began their own investigation.
Ortiz and his team have long claimed that the substances in question are related to the boxer's prescribed medication for high blood pressure.
But the big issue at hand, is Ortiz and his team members never advised VADA that he was taking that medication when he entered the testing protocol.
According to WBA President Gilberto Mendoza, a suspension was the right move because Ortiz is a repeat offender with another failed test several years ago when he won the WBA's interim title with a first round knockout of Lateef Kayode in Las Vegas.
"He's been given a year [suspension] because he's a repeat offender and the WBA's world championship committee thought it was the best solution for this situation. It's not the first time [for Ortiz], there was a failed test in Nevada [for anabolic steroids in 2014]/ This time it's an independent program and we respect the results from VADA and the drug testing program of the World Boxing Council and we must be firm, we were talking about this in the medical seminar [of the WBA's convention]," said Mendoza to ESPN Deportes.
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Mighty Atom
- Heavyweight
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Re: Luis Ortiz Suspended For One Year By WBA For Failed Test
He's very,very lucky.
If he was an amateur or in most other sports this would be an 8 year ban for a second offence
If he was an amateur or in most other sports this would be an 8 year ban for a second offence
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
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- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Luis Ortiz Suspended For One Year By WBA For Failed Test
The ban is only from WBA.. WBC haven't actually banned him.Mighty Atom wrote: ↑03 Nov 2017, 08:56 He's very,very lucky.
If he was an amateur or in most other sports this would be an 8 year ban for a second offence
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victor-romeo
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 1633
- Joined: 18 Sep 2004, 22:29
Re: Luis Ortiz Suspended For One Year By WBA For Failed Test
He can't blame anyone for his crappy career at this point.
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asdfjkl
- Heavyweight
Re: Luis Ortiz Suspended For One Year By WBA For Failed Test
Sad to see how hard paperwork can screw innocent people. Americans wouldn't have continued no problem.
Re: Luis Ortiz Suspended For One Year By WBA For Failed Test
I read on BS that the WBC may give Ortiz a pass now......
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
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asdfjkl
- Heavyweight
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Enlightened-One
- Super Lightweight
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Re: Luis Ortiz Suspended For One Year By WBA For Failed Test
The author of the article has made a judgement based on seeing the Cuban smiling after meeting the WBC president.
Of course he could be right, but then again he could be wrong.
Has anyone else smiled or laughed about something bad happening to them? I know I have.
Of course he could be right, but then again he could be wrong.
Has anyone else smiled or laughed about something bad happening to them? I know I have.
Re: Luis Ortiz Suspended For One Year By WBA For Failed Test
I’d imagine the WBC will be following suit. It’s be pretty farcical if they didn’t, considering he was due to fight for there belt
The governing bodies need some common ground. If VADA etc out a drug cheat he has to be banned and excluded from all rankings. Boxing as 1
The governing bodies need some common ground. If VADA etc out a drug cheat he has to be banned and excluded from all rankings. Boxing as 1
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punchoutsb
- Heavyweight
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- Joined: 16 Sep 2009, 01:05
Re: Luis Ortiz Suspended For One Year By WBA For Failed Test
Hey, he can celebrate his 70th birthday by putting in another lackluster affair in his huge return next year.
Re: Luis Ortiz Suspended For One Year By WBA For Failed Test
Wonder who it'll be, BJ Flores?punchoutsb wrote: ↑04 Nov 2017, 13:50 Hey, he can celebrate his 70th birthday by putting in another lackluster affair in his huge return next year.