In wake of positive drug tests, Pascal denies knowingly using PEDs

Jean Pascal denied on Saturday that he knowingly took performance-enhancing drugs that were found in his system in Voluntary Anti-Doping Association-administered random tests.

In test results returned on Friday night, Pascal was positive for three banned substances -- Drostanolone, Drostanolone metabolite and Epitrenbolone -- causing his secondary light heavyweight world title defense against former two-division world titlist Badou Jack to be canceled.

They were due to meet in a rematch in the co-feature of the Floyd Mayweather-Logan Paul exhibition bout on June 6 on Showtime PPV card at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

“I am shocked and embarrassed. I would never voluntarily take illegal substances,” Pascal said in a statement posted to social media. “I’ve always fought for a clean sport and will continue to do so. I’m one of the first modern boxers to insist on random testing and I’ve passed countless tests during my 13 years at the highest level of boxing. I want to assure all my fans that this is an isolated incident and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to prove it.”

Pascal was randomly tested by VADA on May 14 and May 17, a source with knowledge of the testing schedule told Fright Freaks Unite on Friday night. The results of those tests were returned on Friday. VADA then informed both camps of the positive results.

Pascal said in his statement that he has fired his unnamed strength and conditioning coach after the positive tests results were revealed.

“My strength and conditioning coach was fired (Friday) night,” Pascal said. “I realize that no matter what I say this is a stain on my name and l’m determined to wash it out. If that means I have to come out of pocket for the most advanced 365 days random VADA testing available to boxers then that’s what I’ll do.”

Pascal (35-6-1, 20 KOs), 38, of Montreal, was due to defend his secondary 175-pound belt for the second time in a rematch against Jack (23-3-3, 13 KOs), 37, of Las Vegas, a longtime friend, who he edged by split decision in his first defense in an action-packed fight in December 2019 in Atlanta.

Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe said the plan is to keep Jack on the card if a suitable replacement opponent can be found.

Photo: Amanda Westcott/Showtime