Saunders to face ban and gives up title

BRITAIN’S Billy Joe Saunders has had to vacate his WBO middleweight title and is facing a six-month ban for failing a drugs test.

Saunders made the decision after the Massachusetts State Athletic Commission refused to grant him a licence, due to his positive test for the stimulant oxilofrine.

He was set to make a title defence against Demetrius Andrade on October 20.

Andrade, promoted by Eddie Hearn, will now face the WBO’s No.2 contender Walter Kautondokwa for the vacant crown.