:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69362071/692556422.jpg.0.jpg)
Veteran light heavyweight Jean Pascal has tested positive for three different banned substances, so his June 6 rematch gainst Badou Jack, to be featured on the Floyd Mayweather-Logan Paul exhibition undercard, is cancelled.
The 38-year-old Pascal (35-6-1, 20 KO) took to social media to respond to the news.
“I am shocked and embarrassed,” said Pascal. “I would never voluntarily take illegal substances. 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. My strength and conditioning coach was fired last night.”
He didn’t name the coach, though he has worked with Memo Heredia in the past. I messaged both Pascal and Heredia to ascertain if Heredia is the person to whom he is referring. Pascal did not respond, but Heredia did, saying he’s “been in Vegas for months” and that he’s not the coach in question.
“I realize that no matter what I say, this is a stain on my name and l’m determined to wash it out,” Pascal continued. “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.”