FORMER world heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs has been suspended by the WBA for six months following a failed PED test.
The 45-year-old, nicknamed Shannon ‘The Canon’ Briggs, will not be able to compete for half a year after he failed a drug test pre-fight more than two months ago.
In a tweet posted by the World Boxing Association, they said: “Due to Shannon Briggs’ positive test for a prohibited substance, he is suspended for 6 months.”
Mr ‘Let’s go champ’ failed a VADA drug test on May 14, which led to his bout with Fres Oquendo being cancelled.
He was scheduled to fight the dangerous Puerto Rican on June 3 for the vacant WBA heavyweight title, but was flagged for having incredibly high testosterone levels.
His “A” sample tested positive for anabolic agents, beta-2 agonist, metabolic modulators, GHRP, hormones and related substances.
In a document released by the WBA, they state that Briggs and his representative were made aware of the failed test, and given the opportunity to have the “B” sample tested.
The report, signed by George Martinez – Championship Committe Chairman, listed a three-points decision of their verdict on the matter.
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It read: “Based upon the above-mentioned Rules, which Briggs are presumed to know, the WBA has express authority and discretion to interpret and apply its rules and guidelines in the best interests of boxing and the WBA.
“Due to Briggs’s positive test for a prohibited substance, he is suspended for six (6) months, which shall end on November 13, 2017.
“Any interested party may request reconsideration of this decision per WBA Rule.”
A two-time heavyweight champ, he beat the 48-year-old fading star George Foreman for the lineal belt in 1997, before being stopped in five by Lennox Lewis in his next fight.
His next taste of world glory came in 2006 when he ripped away the WBO crown from Belarus’ Siarhei Liakhovich, before he yet again tasted defeat in his first defence – to Russia’s Sultan Ibragimov.
Since returning to boxing in 2014 to end a four-year absence after losing on points against Vitali Klitschko for the WBC belt, he notched up nine consecutive wins – eight by KO.
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