Tyrone Spong out of Oleksandr Usyk clash due to failed VADA test!
Former cruiserweight undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk (16-0, 12KO) gets the short end of the stick for a third time regarding his heavyweight debut!
According to Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn, heavyweight contender and former kick-boxer Tyrone Spong (14-0, 13KO) has been abruptly removed from their October 12 bout. Apparently, a random drug test administered by VADA revealed an illegal substance.
Usyk had been planning a heavyweight debut since May 25 when he was initially scheduled to face French tough-man Carlos Takam. A bicep tear in training would force the bout to be rescheduled to October 12.
However, a disagreement on a renegotiation of purse splits and Takam ultimately withdrawing from negotiations to sign with Star Boxing Promotions left Usyk looking for a replacement.
He would get one in Spong. Unfortunately, he will have to look for another replacement in less than a week!
According to Hearn, there are several ready to step up to the plate.
Spong will more than likely get the same treatment as many others in the past. He isn’t ranked very high by the WBC at #22, although, he is #6 within the WBO rankings.
Since VADA and the WBC oversee the Clean Testing Program, he may possibly lose his ranking with the organization while looking at a six month suspension.
We will see what happens!
This is a major blow to a fighter who doesn’t even have a minute amount of name recognition in the sport of boxing. Spong is still considered a prospect, but it will be hard for fans to take him seriously now!
Stay tuned to 3kingsboxing.com as we stay on top of the news on Usyk’s five-day replacement opponent!
By: EJ Williams
