HEAVYWEIGHT Luis Ortiz will not be banned by the WBC after he failed a drug test ahead of his cancelled title fight with Deontay Wilder. The test in September found Chlorithiazide and Hydroclorothiazide in his system.
The WBC have accepted his argument that he was taking blood pressure medication, and fined him $25,000 for failing to disclose his prescription for high blood pressure medication.
They have concluded that Ortiz will be able to fight for the WBC heavyweight world title again.
They said in a statement, “The WBC concludes that the evidence available to the WBC supports a finding that Mr. Ortiz’ ingestion of high blood pressure medication was directed to the treatment of an ongoing medical condition.
“Therefore, Mr. Ortiz will continue to be tested based on a specifically designed testing protocol. As of the date of this ruling, Mr. Ortiz is available to compete in WBC-sanctioned events, and shall be confirmed in the WBC ratings in a position consistent with the recommendation of the WBC Ratings Committee.”
WBC heavyweight champion Wilder, despite his anger and frustration, has expressed a willingness to fight Ortiz in the past regardless of these relevations. This ruling paves the way for that fight still to take place.
