A Luis Ortiz suspension has been imposed on the Cuban heavyweight boxer following a failed drug test in recent times.

Governing bodies in boxing are acting following Ortiz’s recent failed test ahead of a proposed fight with WBC champion Deontay Wilder as per the WBA ‘Clean Boxing Program’.

Wilder instead of facing Ortiz this weekend takes on Bermane Stiverne in a rematch.

Dan Rafael of ESPN confirmed that the Luis Ortiz suspension from the WBA will be one year in total and that he has officially been removed as a mandatory contender for current WBA (Super) heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua’s title.

The organization in recent times have mentioned that they are now working very hard at present to make sure they will have only one champion per weight class going forward.

Currently as things stand in a number of weight divisions, their is both the WBA ‘Super’ and WBA ‘Regular’ champion which has confused many fans.

Essentially the ‘Super’ champion from the organization is the more recognized champion.

Speaking to ESPN Deportes, the WBA President explained why they had handed out the one year suspension to Ortiz:

“He’s been given a year suspension because he’s a repeat offender and the WBA’s world championship committee thought it was the best solution for this situation. It’s not the first time there was a failed test in Nevada.”

As things stand 38 year old Ortiz is 27-0-23KO and it will be unclear if he chooses to return or not when the suspension is up.