THE boxer who beat Newport’s Lee Churcher to the vacant IBF European middleweight title last December failed a drugs test after the bout in London, it has been revealed.

Englishman Joe Mullender stopped Churcher in the penultimate round of the contest, which took place at the Copper Box Arena on December 9.

However, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) said this week that 32-year-old Mullender’s post-fight urine sample tested positive for the banned substance dimethylbutylamine.

They also disclosed that the four-month ban from all sport dished out to Mullender actually ended in May.

Churcher, who retired in April, has taken to social media since the report was published to voice his dismay at the situation.

In a post on Facebook, the 37-year-old said he was disappointed that no-one had contacted him regarding the matter.

He wrote: “Surely they should have the decency to inform me that the result is not a loss?

“Even disqualify him from the contest and award me the title (wishful thinking).”

It is still unclear at the moment whether the result will now be deemed a no- contest or remain as a victory for Mullender.

UKAD director of operations Pat Myhill said: “UKAD always advises taking a food-first approach to nutrition.

“If an athlete feels additional nutritional supplements may be required, UKAD advises them to assess the need, assess the risk, and assess the consequences before doing so.

“Athletes should check all supplements have been batch-tested via the Informed Sport website prior to consumption, as there is always a risk of contamination by a prohibited substance.”