WBA heavyweight champion Manuel Charr is convicted of using a prohibited drug.

The doping test of the Syrians gave a positive result, for which the boxers are going to deprive the champion title, reports Sport1. de.

"I'm shocked by this news and just crying. I did not do anything, "said the 33-year-old athlete.

President of the Federation of Professional Boxing of Germany Thomas Pjutts confirmed that the fight against Fres Oquendo, in which the Syrian was supposed to defend the WBA belt, was also canceled. The duel was scheduled for September 29.

Charr won the championship title in 2017, beating Russian Alexander Ustinov by unanimous decision.

In 2012, Charr was the last opponent of Vitali Klitschko and gave him a technical knockout. This bout took place in Moscow.

In the professional ring, the Syrian conducted 34 duels, of which he won 31 fights (17 knockouts) and four times defeated.