Alexander Besputin claims his B sample has not been opened because of the coronavirus pandemic ©Getty Images

World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight world champion Alexander Besputin has claimed his B sample has not been opened because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Besputin, who won the WBA welterweight world title on November 30 2019, had a sample collected by doping inspectors following the fight in Monaco.

The results from the A sample of Besputin’s doping test in January showed presence of a banned substance, ligandrol, in his body.

The Russian's B sample was due to be opened earlier this month at an anti-doping laboratory in Paris, however Besputin told TASS this was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"The opening of the doping sample has been cancelled due to the current global situation," Besputin said.

Alexander Besputin said he was
Alexander Besputin said he was "shocked and puzzled" by the results of the A sample, claiming he had never consumed banned performing enhancing drugs ©Getty Images

Besputin’s B sample was originally due to be opened on March 3, but was put back by a fortnight, before a further delay due to COVID-19.

Besputin, who has an unblemished record of 14 wins, including nine by knockout, defeated compatriot Radzhab Butaev by a unanimous points decision last year to claim the WBA crown.

When the results of the A sample were announced, Besputin told TASS he was "puzzled and shocked" over the initial outcome of the doping test, claiming that he had never consumed banned performance enhancing drugs throughout his career.

Besputin is the 2012 Russian champion, the 2013 European champion and a silver medallist at the 2015 European Games in Baku in Azerbaijan.

He turned professional in October 2015.