WBO Strips Jimenez and Reinstates Crews-Dezurn
On January 1, Franchon Crews-Dezurn (6-1, 2 KO’s), then the WBO and WBC world super middleweight champion, took on the challenge of Alejandra “La Tigre” Jimenez (12-0-1, 9 KO’s). Following ten grueling rounds of intense action, Jimenez was awarded both titles via split decision win. Roughly two weeks after the bout, it was revealed by VADA that Jimenez popped dirty for performance enhancing drugs. The specific drug that landed her in hot water was the anabolic steroid Stanozolol.
SHORT LIVED VICTORY
As most fighters do in such a situation, Jimenez immediately proclaimed her innocence. She would then demand for the B-sample to be tested as well. When her request was granted, the B-sample also came back flagged with elements of Stanozolol. That gives La Tigre two official violations on record. Being unable to provide a sensible reason for why that was, the WBO was compelled to strip her of the newly acquired belt.
Following in short order, the WBO announced that their title would be returned to Franchon Crews-Dezurn immediately. Also, the January 1 contest changed to a No Decision.
“The WBO World Championship Committee hereby strips Ms. Alejandra Jimenez of her WBO Female Super Middleweight Championship Title and it reinstates WBO Female Participant Ms. Franchon Crews-Dezurn as the official WBO Female Super Middleweight Champion.” ~WBO sanctioning body
SWEET VALIDATION
Obviously, Crews-Dezurn is ecstatic to have her hardware returned. Yet, even more than that, the reinstated champion feels extremely validated that these events have unfolded in the manner that they have.
Rather quickly after the fight Crews-Dezurn voiced her opinion that she felt as if her opponent was not fighting her on an even playing field. Trouble was she had no way to prove it herself. Now that the formal drug testing has done it for her the native Virginian can once again sleep easy at night.
At the time of this writing, it is unclear what will become of the WBC world super middleweight title.
By: Bakari Simpson
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