Alicia Baumgardner strikes a pose following her press conference ahead of her victory against Christina Rinaldatu at the Masonic Temple in Detroit, Michigan on July 15, 2023. Image credit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.
Alicia Baumgardner is all set to make a comeback in boxing.
The reigning undisputed 130-pound champion, known as Ring, has had her suspension lifted by the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC). Baumgardner had been facing a ban following a past positive drug test, with the final hurdle now cleared for her to kick off her 2024 campaign.
In a statement on her social media channels, Baumgardner expressed her gratitude and resilience, stating, “Through challenges, I’ve held onto my faith in Jesus Christ. Despite facing criticism and falsehoods, I stand strong and confident.
“My faith guides me like a shining light. I move forward with courage and determination.”
Baumgardner, with a record of 15-1 and 7 knockouts, is ranked as the sixth-best pound-for-pound fighter by Ring. Her last fight was a victorious unanimous decision against Christina Rinaldatu, ranked fourth, in a match held in Detroit on July 15. Post that victory, she hasn’t been in the ring due to the suspension.
However, her hiatus came after news emerged of a positive drug test in August. A sample taken on July 12 tested positive for the banned substance mesterolone, casting a shadow on Baumgardner’s career.
Despite the setback, Baumgardner maintained her innocence throughout the investigation. She cooperated with multiple drug tests and even provided hair samples for independent analysis, which yielded negative results dating back to the previous year to disprove intentional doping.
Confirming her stand, Baumgardner declared, “These results eliminate any doubt of foul play on my part and reaffirm my integrity. I am the athlete I claim to be.” She aimed to set the record straight and prove her commitment to clean competition.
After a thorough probe by the WBC, Baumgardner was cleared of deliberate substance use for performance enhancement, but was placed under a year-long retroactive probation ending on July 12, 2024. She must still undergo Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) testing at her own cost as part of the WBC’s Clean Boxing Program.
However, official consent from the ABC was pending before Baumgardner could return to the ring. The sanctioning body’s decision would not include stripping her of her title but would allow her to compete again.
Looking ahead to her first bout of 2024, Baumgardner has hinted at potential matchups. While a showdown with Claressa Shields—the undisputed middleweight champion and pound-for-pound top female fighter at The Ring—was once a hot topic, discussions have since shifted to more viable opponents.
Among the contenders, Katie Taylor from Ireland, a two-division champion and the second-ranked pound-for-pound fighter, stands out. Negotiations with Chantel Cameron, previously ranked first at 140 and third overall, for a trilogy fight have hit a roadblock, leaving Taylor available for a potential clash on May 25 in Dublin.
It’s been revealed that several opponents, including Cameron, are being considered for the May 25 event, with DAZN likely to host the fight with a preference for a well-known fighter like Baumgardner. Nevertheless, a showdown against former lightweight titleholder Delphine Persoon, the top challenger in the 130-pound division, seems inevitable.
Baumgardner’s recent accomplishments also point to her dominance in the sport. Her unification victory against France’s Elhem Mekhaled in Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater marked a significant milestone, sealing her position as the undisputed 130-pound champion.
As she trains in Las Vegas under Bill Haney’s guidance, Baumgardner’s presence in the boxing circuit remains influential. Her potential matchups and upcoming fights are eagerly awaited by fans worldwide, as she continues to make strides in her career.
Jake Donovan serves as a senior writer for The Ring and holds the position of vice president at the Boxing Writers Association of America.
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