Billy Joe Saunders all-but clear for showdown against Demetrius Andrade as Boston hosts reveal stance after failed drugs test
Controversial Hatfield middleweight has not yet applied for his US licence but should get the green light this week
BILLY JOE SAUNDERS has not yet applied for his licence to defend his WBO middleweight title on October 20 but should have no problem getting the green light.
The 29-year-old’s defence against Demetrius Andrade was thrown in to doubt when it was revealed he had failed a drugs test with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency.
VADA discovered fat-burning stimulant oxilofrine in his system on August 30 and flagged it up as an out-of-competition fail.
However, the WBO and the Massachusetts Athletic State Commission abide by the regulations set out by the World Anti-Doping Agency who only punish oxilofrine traces found on the day of competition.
Eddie Hearn, who is promoting Andrade and the Boston bout, admitted on Friday night that it was still only 50-50 that the fight was going ahead.
And revealed a final decision would be made this week when the MSAC meet to decide whether to hold the bout.
Ahead of the meeting, the MSAC laid out a three point guide to SunSport that leans toward Saunders being free to fight under stringent further testing before and after the fight.
A spokesperson said: “We have not received an application for a license from this individual
“The Commission adheres to the Prohibited List published by the World Anti-doping Agency for anti-doping standards. Use of any substance identified on the Prohibited List by any unarmed combatant licensed or seeking licensure by the Commission is prohibited.
“Pursuant to the MSAC regulations, 523 CMR 20, the Commission or its designee may require, at any time either before or after a match, an unarmed combatant to undergo a test for use of illegal drugs or other performance enhancing substances as identified on the Prohibited List issued by the World Anti-doping Agency.”