The unified light heavyweight title between IBF-WBC-WBO champion Artur Beterbiev and Callum Smith on Saturday in Quebec City, Que., is a go after VADA reported negative findings on Beterbiev. Beterbiev had given blood and urine samples on Dec. 6, which came back atypical. Smith's tests all were negative for any performance enhancing drugs.
An atypical finding is not a violation and requires more testing, and Beterbiev underwent those examinations at VADA's request. The Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency reported negative results from the follow-up tests, from urine tests on Dec. 15 and Dec. 21 and from blood tests on Dec. 21 and Jan 3.
Beterbiev had received atypical findings for human growth hormone (HGH) and 5D-androstanediol. Both occur naturally in the body. When an atypical finding is received, further testing is required to determine if an athlete naturally produces the substance in his or her body at a greater level than average or if the elevated levels were signs of anti-doping.
The drug test results, which were provided to the Quebec Boxing Commission, the heads of the IBF, WBC and WBO, promoters Top Rank and Matchroom Sport and the fighters' managers, were negative for Beterbiev. He is thus able to defend his titles on Saturday in Quebec City.
In a statement provided to KevinIole.com, Top Rank president Todd duBoef noted the fighters underwent extensive testing.
"We hired VADA to do testing for this event at the request of both fight camps," said duBoef, whose company promotes Beterbiev. "VADA has informed us that they’ve tested the athletes extensively and both athletes are in compliance with the program."
Beterbiev is 19-0 with 19 knockouts and is widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. He needs a win over Smith, a veteran many are picking, in order to set up a bout for the undisputed title with WBA champion Dmitry Bivol.
Beterbiev said in a statement that he had heard Smith planned to go public to release his atypical findings even though he underwent all requested testing and his results were negative.
"It has come to my attention that Callum intends to disseminate misleading information about my VADA testing program for this fight," Beterbiev's statement said. "Let me be clear now: I am a clean athlete. I have never tested positive for a banned substance throughout my amateur and professional career and I complied with all VADA requirements and protocols during the build-up to this fight. Any attempt to imply otherwise, through innuendo or suggestion is slanderous and libelous. This conduct is beyond acceptable trash talk in combat sports. Callum is already searching for excuses, looking for a way out. See you Saturday."