The steroid saga in boxing continues as sports and boxing fanatics are waiting day by day for new scoop and developments. The most awaited fight this year is still in limbo as both camps need to iron out some misunderstanding and agreements on the match-up. The steroid accusations that the Mayweathers are spreading already lead to filing of a libel and defamation case against them. Late last week, the Pacquiao’s camp filed the lawsuit in Las Vegas asking the Mayweathers to pay for the damages plus punitive action against the team for maligning the pound for pound king. The lawyer of Pacquiao told Reuters that the boxing legend had no other recourse but to file the lawsuit. “Mr. Pacquiao simply could not allow these false, reckless and malicious statements to go unanswered. He had no choice but to file this law suit to protect his good name and reputation which has been earned after years and years of hard work,” said Attorney Daniel Petrocelli.

The lawyer also added that Manny’s achievements came from God-given talent and an indefatigable work ethic and not from steroids. “He cannot and will not allow others to deliberately misrepresent his years of hard work and tarnish his reputation,” he said. The respondents include Mayweather Jr., Mayweather Sr., Richard Schaefer and the Golden Boy Promotions.

Now, let us look into the other side of the story. Should we believe that the Mayweathers have a sincere intention in asking Pacquiao to undergo a blood test during the fight? There are two possible answers to this question. This could be part of a game plan to distract Manny Pacquiao from his training or as a way out from this match-up because they know that the chance of Floyd Mayweather Jr. against Pacquiao is nil.

If Pacquiao is really on steroids or HGH, can the USADA or NSAC detect it days before the fight? Experts say that there are still performance enhancers like new designer steroids which are very difficult to detect. Manufacturers are always one step ahead in developing products and anti-doping agencies are coping up in tracing those banned substances. Of course, blood test for steroid is more reliable compared to ordinary urine testing. Laboratory tests can detect more banned substances from a blood sample as compared to urine samples. If Pacquiao uses steroids or HGH, he can also deliberately switch the blood with a clean sample. But this scenario is unlikely to happen because of the stringent procedures being imposed by the USADA.

Another reason why anti-doping agencies may not be able to detect banned substances from a user is due to the fact that steroids users can effectively cycle their use. Steroid cycles are used to help the body recuperate from the effects of anabolic steroids and at the same time achieve maximum benefits. Even if the test will be conducted randomly, anabolic steroids may already leave the system. There are also some over-the-counter supplements which can mask the use of performance enhancers. According to the chief of the US Anti-Doping Agency, Travis Tygart, they prefer testing athletes out of competition. The percentage of catching a cheater is low if the tests are made during the competition. They usually stop the intake of these performance enhancers months before the fight or competition so the chances of getting caught is minimal.

Here’s my last question. If a boxer knows that he will be tested for performance enhancing drugs like steroids and human growth hormone, will he take it during the training? There are anabolic steroids and HGH which can be traced from the user within the time frame suggested by the Mayweather’s camp. Traces of some steroids can still be detected after days or weeks after taking it. After winning 7 titles in different divisions and named as boxer of the year, will Manny Pacquiao take the chances?

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