Australia's Lucas Browne stripped of WBA heavyweight crown after failed drug test

Australian heavyweight Lucas Browne has been stripped of the WBA title after his 'B' sample tested positive for a banned substance. The 37-year-old fighter tested positive for clenbuterol after stopping Ruslan Chagaev on 5 March.

That victory initially saw him become Australia's first heavyweight world champion, but a second positive sample has led to an automatic six-month ban by the WBA. The governing body has, however, said it will reconsider Browne's status once his suspension is up.

Browne voluntary signed up to an anti-doping programme in the build-up to the world title fight and has repeatedly protested his innocence. In response to his suspension, the Australian revealed he was turning to his legal team to consider his next step.

"I'm leaving everything to my lawyer, Mr Leon Margules," he tweeted after being stripped by the WBA. "I thank everyone for their support, especially the people and fans of Australia."

Meanwhile, the WBA confirmed Chagaev now has 120 days to negotiate a fight with Fres Oquendo, the mandatory challenger to the winner of the upcoming bout between Luis Ortiz and Alexander Ustinov.