By Daily Sports on November 3, 2017

The World Boxing Association on Thursday stripped unbeaten heavyweight Luis “King Kong” Ortiz (27-0, 23 KOs) of his mandatory status for WBA champion Anthony Joshua due to a recent positive drug test.

Ortiz loses his spot in the WBA’s rankings for 1 year, according to ESPN.

During the drug screening on September 22 by VADA, Ortiz tested positive for the banned diuretics chlorothaizide and hydrochlorothiazide.

The boxer stated that he was taking the drugs as part of his treatment of high blood pressure. However, Ortiz failed to alert VADA that he was taking the drugs.

For the 38-year-old Ortiz, this was the second time he’s tested positive for banned drugs in the last 3 years of his boxing career.

“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 year (until Sept. 22, 2018),” the WBA said in a statement via ESPN.com.

“After March 22, 2018, Ortiz may request his suspension be lifted, which may only be granted in the sole discretion of the WBA,” the statement concluded.

Ortiz was poised to challenge WBC heavyweight champion Wilder on November 4 on Showtime Boxing at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

•Photo shows Luis Ortiz.

Source Daily Sports

Posted November 3, 2017

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