Hill Responds to the stripping of her WIBF Belt -2004

 by Trish Hill –May 18, 2004

As many of you know I participated in the Women’s International Boxing Federation’s (W.I.B.F.) Featherweight title against Silke Weickenmeier in Stuttgart Germany on February 14, 2004. I defeated Silke in the ring when she did not answer the bell for the seventh round, and I was awarded the W.I.B.F World Featherweight Title.

There is much controversy in sports over the use if performance enhancing drugs, and the W.I.B.F. and other sanctioning bodies are interested in this topic. Both before and after the February fight I participated in drug testing. I was recently advised that the sanctioning body (BDB) had obtained results of my post fight urine sample, which showed I had a substance in my system (Norandrtosterone), which exceeded the limit of 5ng/ml.

I have been unable to properly respond to this charge because of several factors:

1. I have been unable to determine whether the BDB followed proper testing protocol in obtaining my urine sample.

2. I am unaware of and have not been given the test results of my opponent.

3. I was never provided a list of prohibited substances adopted by the BDB.

4. I have not been provided with a list of procedures to appeal this decision.

5. I am not aware whether proper security measures were taken to protect my samples.

There is a tremendous volume of information about Norandrosterone. My medical advisors have indicated that this substance is:

1. A naturally occurring substance in the female body.

2. The concentration level is affected by physical conditioning, state of dehydration, type and use of birth control, extreme physical activity, etc.

Part of the problem is that there are so many entities involved in this dispute, including the W.I.B.F, BDB, World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) and the German Boxing Union (GBU). I am certain that under procedures, and policies, these organizations must give a fighter notification of prohibited substances, must use proper testing protocol and give proper notice for appeal when a body attempts to strip a fighter of a title she has won in the ring.

Today I have sent an appeal of the decision stripping me of my title to the W.I.B.F world headquarters in Miami, Florida. At such hearing I intend to have my medical experts give testimony about this substance and how the concentration level could have exceeded the 5ng/ml limit. The one thing of which I am certain is I did not knowingly take any supplements or medications to enhance my performance. My performance is based on training and conditioning and not based on any prohibited substances.

Many of my fans want answers to the questions this testing has raised. Perhaps my having to deal with this issue argues for having a unified sanctioning body with one consistent set of rules and procedures. Through this I have learned boxing reaches far beyond the canvas and ropes. I have dedicated my life to this sport. I have always fought with heart, passion and conviction and I will continue to do so, both inside and outside of the ring.

My deepest appreciation and gratitude goes out to my fans, my fight team and my supporters.

Trisha “TNT” Hill