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Following the positive
anti-doping test of WBF Womens
World Light Flyweight Champion
Justine Lallemand after her
title-winning effort against
fellow Frenchwoman Anne Sophie
Da Costa on October 28, the
result of the fight was changed
into a No Contest, and Da Costa
duly re-instated as world
champion.
Originally, the 35-year-old Da
Costa, who previously reigned as
WBF world champion at
Strawweight from 2012 to 2014,
lost an upset, unanimous
10-round decision in a domestic
grudge match to rising Lallemand
in Auvillers-les-Forges, France,
in what was Da Costa’s third
title defense.
The performance of Lallemand in
only her seventh pro outing was
so impressive, that she was
named “Boxer of the Month” for
October 2017 by the World Boxing
Federation.
Unfortunately, the 25-year-old
was later detected to have a
higher-than-allowed amount of
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in
her system, which is listed as a
banned substance by WADA as well
as by the WBF. Lallemand
contested the finding in a
statement to the WBF and
requested the analysis of the
B-specimen, which however came
back positive as well.
While the Board of the World
Boxing Federation carefully
considered Lallemand’s
testimony, ultimately the
overwhelming evidence clearly
pointed to a violation of the
WBF’s anti-doping regulations.
As a consequence, her win (97:93
and 98:92 twice) was turned into
a No-Contest (N-C) by the WBF
with the logical consequence
that Da Costa received back her
WBF world title. Furthermore,
Lallemand was suspended for two
years for any WBF championship
bouts, but given the opportunity
to apply for a reduced sentence
at half time.
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