Naoki Fukuda

Former world champion Lucian Bute is under investigation following a positive drugs test in the wake of the Romanian-Canadian’s clash with Badou Jack.

Bute challenged Jack for his coveted green belt last month and gave a credible performance in what seemed to be a victory for the champion.

Now, weeks later, the WBC have reported the presence of an adverse substance and have launched a formal inquiry into the test.

A statement sent to World Boxing News stated the following:

The World Boxing Council has been notified by the D. C. Boxing and Wrestling Commission about an adverse finding for the banned substance “Ostarine” in the post-fight anti-doping test from Lucien Bute.

Bute challenged Badou Jack for the WBC super middleweight championship in a fight which took place in Washington, D. C. on April 30, 2016 and resulted in a draw .

The D. C. Boxing and Wrestling Commission will follow its rules and regulations regarding antidoping and will be in consultation with the WBC and its Clean Boxing Program.

Further news will be known in the coming days – WBC

Bute is the latest in a long line of former and present champions to be under suspicion of doping as the sport faces up to a spate of questionable tests due to new and enhanced measures of detection.