Oscar Valdez sends defiant message after testing positive for banned substances

Oscar Valdez remains confident that he can fulfil his world title ambitions as he looks to make his first title defence at super-featherweight despite a positive drugs test.

The undefeated Mexican has landed himself in huge controversy after failing a drugs test after testing positive for the banned substance phentermine during a pre-fight test administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), with his bout against Robson Conceicao on the horizon.

Despite the test, the world title defence has been sanctioned to continue by Pascua Yaqui Tribe Athletic Commission, as the Mexican has claimed that the substance has come from herbal tea and caused his positive test.

But the 30-year-old has vowed to maintain course in unifying the division, by thanking his loyal team and reiterating his desire to become another unified champion member of trainer Eddy Reynoso's stable.

"My people, I have never used banned substances to enhance my performance. I have never done it. I have been respectful of the anti-doping rules since I was an amateur, Olympian and now professional," Valdez wrote on Instagram. "Since I became [WBO featherweight] world champion in 2016, I have been VADA-tested more than 30 times. I insisted – in writing – on VADA testing for myself and Robson Conceicao for this fight.

“I would like to thank my manager Frank Espinoza, Top Rank, Eddy Reynoso and my entire team for standing by me throughout this process. I would also like to thank the Pascua Yaqui Boxing Commission for the due process in hearing my case.

"I will happily comply with the stipulations set forth by the World Boxing Council, to collaborate in the programs, tests and other activities required of me. See you on September 10th in the first defence of my WBC world title in Tucson, Arizona.”

Valdez has had a successful career to date shocking Miguel Berchelt in his last fight to become WBC super-featherweight champion and remain on his unbeaten streak in the professional ranks.

And the WBC champion has explained his positive drug test and denied being a "cheat" despite receiving huge critics in the build-up to his fight.

What I can say is that I'm a 100% clean fighter," he explained. I don't know how that got into my body.

"I know every fighter is responsible for whatever they consume, but on behalf of myself, I have no clear answer on how that got into my body, I've always considered myself, and I will always be a clean fighter, so, I don't know how that got into my body.

"If I was him (Conceicao) I would 100% fight me, because this is a chance to win a world title, and if I'm being more honest, I would think, 'What is he taking? Oh, he's taking this substance to lose weight?

"'Oh, well that's a pretty dumb move because he's losing weight way too early from the fight. So it means he might be drained or overtraining, I don't know.'"

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