Influencer-boxer faces 4-year suspension after found to produce 34 times normal testosterone
A new wrinkle in boxing has seen Baffour Boateng, aka Armz Korleone, an influencer-boxer, suspended for four years. On November 17, 2023, a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) test revealed elevated levels of synthetic testosterone in his system. His testosterone-to-epitestosterone testing pool ratio was 34:1! This exceeds the VADA ratio of 4:1.
Given the opportunity to have his B sample tested, Armz Korleone refused. Although samples coming over the testing pool limits are nothing new, this level is gargantuan. Columnist Timothy Wheaton responded online, drawing comparisons to former UFC fighters. While base levels are 1-1, for reference, self-proclaimed roided veteran Alistair Overeem was 10-1, while Chael Sonnen was 16-1.
For the second time in his career, fitness influencer and boxer Armz Korleone faced Malcolm Minikon. The 31-year-old defeated him again in the rematch from 2022. However, the influencer-boxer could not keep on his feet in the aftermath. Meanwhile, Derek Chisora did his best to help him with a splash of water on his head. The bout has since been deemed a no-contest in light of the VADA testing pool.
He tested 34-1. Just looking it up to compare: Alistair Overeem was 10-1, Chael Sonnen was 16-1. A normal person is 1-1 typically. https://t.co/bO5LrE8zxQ
— Timothy Wheaton MMA (@TimWheatonMMA) August 23, 2024Even regulatory body results aren’t foolproof and may come under fire. This leap over the margin and the sight of the boxer going to the ground was just something else. The likes of Overeem were banned in 2012 from challenging then-UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos at UFC 146. However, for Armz Korleone, it’s more a concern for health hazards than his long suspension.
PED usage is very common in combat sports culture. Several UFC fighters in the past have used such drugs to gain a slight over opponents. Boxers have used the buff as well. Sometimes, real or alleged, PED issues can mar a fight even before it begins. Take the recent Aljamain Sterling–Movsar Evloev steroid controversy, for example. Subsequently, sometimes it comes after the fight.
Influencer-boxer Armz Korleone, from KSI’s Misfits Boxing Outfit, is the latest boxer in the trend. His testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio is one for the ages. Here’s what the combat sports world thinks:
Almost a month later, hard to believe anything you guys say after you were dropped by misfits
— Brendan Mosley (@MosleyB02) August 23, 2024I thought his boxing rec was 34-1 😭😂
— Darren M. (@photosbydarren) August 24, 2024Some people naturally produce a lot of testosterone.
Idk, when Beterbiev had higher test. They said it was an abnormal finding
— DYLAN – KOJO – NYK (@Dylan65549454) August 24, 2024That’s very true. But it’s highly unlikely a person has 34 times the normal testosterone to epitestosterone levels without the use of exogenous and synthetic anabolics, which were discovered by a VADA test.
— Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) August 24, 2024was to be expected but NEARLY A YEAR LATER?
— SocialBoxing 🇮🇪 (@socialboxing_) August 22, 2024W, shocked we never heard about this from Misfits. Makes me wonder how many other failed tests they're hiding from us… is that why they changed commissions?
— Maul (@CriticOfAll_) August 22, 2024You mean to tell me THIS GUY was juicing?
— Charlie Quinn (@CharlieQuinnMMA) August 23, 2024Some have openly taken to ripping the Professional Boxing Association for allowing a rematch with the drugged-up Korleone in the first place. Others have slammed Misfits for probably hiding more roided boxers in the crossover culture.
Many remained an Armz fan despite him collapsing at the Misfits011 show due to lack of oxygen. However, even hardcore fans have acknowledged it’s not surprising, given his build. Some have even lauded his opponent for taking the risk against the juiced-up boxer. Similar to how Devin Haney garnered support and went viral after his recent April 20th bout. All in all, this will remain a hot topic for a while.
In case you missed it:
ncG1vNJzZmiemafAtb%2FPqKmtsl6YvK57yKedpa2Vo7CmvoybprGdomKzoq%2FErGRtZamarrN50q6qqZ2eqLawuoyana2domKzsMHNnWStp12lv7Cw1JycZmtkYsGqucSsZKenoqKurXnTnqqtp6OpsrO7zZ5m