Boxing is one of the sports that do not require stringent drug testing. Many critics are not satisfied with the current steroid testing program of boxing and MMA because they just rely on the State Athletic Commissions. While the commissions use the standard methods in testing athletes for performance enhancing drugs, they just do it when a match is going to happen. This is in contrast with other leagues that adopt a comprehensive anti-doping program where players can be tested even on off-season.

However, proponents for a more rigid steroid testing in boxing were able to advance their cause by convincing a promotion company. Just recently, the Golden Boy Promotion gave a nod for a third party steroid testing of their boxers. This can be considered as a great development in the sports since the boxers will submit themselves to an independent test.

Boxers to be Tested for Steroids

The welterweight rematch between Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto is not only an interesting fight to watch out for on February 11. They will be the first to undergo steroid testing under VADA procedures. VADA stands for Voluntary Anti-Doping Association. Since the program is voluntary, their submission to such stringent testing methods (as claimed by VADA) will make an impact in the world of boxing. This may force other boxers to voluntary submit themselves to VADA tests to prove that they are clean of any performance enhancing drugs. Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Shane Mosley, Amir Khan and other boxers who are accused of taking performance enhancing drugs should consider taking the VADA test to appease critics that they are not involved or using banned substances.

People Behind VADA

It was first known to the public when Victor Conte divulged some of the facts about the organization during an interview. Conte is now active in eradicating steroid use in professional sports. After serving jail time for providing professional athletes with designer steroids, Conte vowed to help the government especially the US Anti-Doping Agency to catch the cheaters. And VADA is another way to pursue his cause.

Another prominent person in the VADA is the former ringside doctor of the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) Margaret Goodman. The doctor admitted that creating this organization is not an easy task. In fact she already had this idea since 2005 but it only materialized this year. “It’s taken a long time to put this together and it’s been a daunting task. When I first started talking to people, I saw that (doping) was rampant and largely ignored by many state commissions, who do little to no testing,” said Goodman during an interview.

VADA Testing Methods are More Stringent

Goodman knows that many promoters will not be at ease with their testing program. They have a different testing procedure for steroid and human growth hormone. Proponents of VADA will use a WADA accredited testing laboratory to ensure the reliability and validity of the tests. All samples will be sent to the UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory.

Aside from that, they will also use an expensive method of detecting steroids in the body but is considered more reliable. Samples from volunteer boxers will be subjected to Carbon Isotope testing. This method can detect steroids or testosterone even after weeks of taking it. The current method, which is the TE ratios, can usually detect banned substances if it is taken within a few hours or days.

To detect the use of human growth hormone, VADA will check the hematocrit levels of the fighter to see if there is an abnormality. This way, they can tell if the athlete is doping or not.

After Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto, it will be interesting to know the next boxer who will submit to VADA tests.

The BALCO founder claimed he already learned from his mistakes and served jail time as punishment for his role in professional sports doping. But Victor Conte is still facing a hard time getting out from the steroid stigma.

The BALCO was dismantled years ago but his name is still being associated to steroids especially that he is now managing a nutrition company providing elite athletes with supplements. The SNAC or Scientific Nutrition for Advanced Conditioning has in its long lists of clients professional athletes from boxing, track and field and baseball.

Berto Defending His Link to Conte

Andre Berto, who just won his comeback fight against Slovenian Jan Zaveck, defended his decision in getting the services of Victor Conte. In a pre-fight interview, Berto told the media that Conte was able to help him a lot during the training. “I’ve had a tremendous training camp. We switched things up a bit and went to California for this camp and I have been working Victor Conte. He’s really been helping me with my nutrition and has taught me the importance of having rest days,” said Berto.

The former WBC Welterweight champion claimed that they already dumped the old school training after they met Conte and the results are good.

But when asked by a sports writer about steroids, Berto is quick to defend Conte. “He’s had a rough past but I know everything he’s done (with me) is legal.” Berto also said that nobody’s putting an injection on him. “I know that what I’m doing is legit.”

Berto’s claim of the IBF welterweight crown from Zaveck will help him regain his position in the welterweight division and hope for a fight with Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. But before he can do that he must take some more fights and probably a rematch with Victor Ortiz.

Andre Ward Urge to Take Steroid Test

Meanwhile, Andre Ward is also on the hot seat. His opponent, Carl Froch, wants him to undergo a stringent drug testing because of his ties with Victor Conte. The Daily Star reported that Froch will ask his promoter if a pre-fight drug test or blood test is possible before they clash on October 29 at Atlantic City. They will be brawling for the WBC super-middleweight title.

“There have been stories about American boxers taking steroids, so you do wonder if people are taking things to give them the edge,” Froch told the Daily Star. “I will be raising the question with my promoter Eddie Hearn and he will probably do something about it, whether it’s a pre-fight drug test or blood test,” he added.

On the other hand, Ward told the media that he already severed his ties with Conte. However, Conte played a major role in his win on Mikkel Kessler in the Super Six tournament in 2009. Ward also defended Conte. “Victor’s very knowledgeable. I would talk to him about ­supplements, he’s on the right track,” Ward said.

Other Boxers Working with Conte

Other boxers who are under Conte’s nutrition program were not spared from critics. Nonito Donaire also defended his decision to work with Conte and the “Filipino Flash” believes Conte is not giving him any type of steroids. Zab Judah is also working with Conte.

None of these boxers have failed any steroid test but their critics will never stop associating them to steroids use. And that’s because of Victor Conte.

The fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Victor Ortiz, which is scheduled on September 17 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, will determine if Ortiz is ready for a more skilled and veteran boxer. Many are speculating that Ortiz will be outclassed in this match-up because of Mayweather’s proven tactics inside the ring. However, the camp of Ortiz believes otherwise. They predicted a first loss for Floyd Mayweather in his professional boxing career.

NSAC Doing its Job

With a few weeks remaining, both fighters are still busy training and promoting the fight. On the other hand, state regulators are also doing their jobs in ensuring that both fighters are free of any performance enhancing drugs. The Nevada State Athletic Commission or NSAC already conducted drug testing on both fighters and the result was announced recently by NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer.

Steroid Results Negative for Both Fighters

Kizer told RingTV that both fighters passed the drug testing particularly for anabolic steroids. “They went and had their urine taken last Thursday, and then the results came back today, and both guys passed,” said Kizer. The athletic commission also tests fighters for other banned substances like masking agents and recreational drugs.

NSAC Steroid Test Only

Though Mayweather and Ortiz both claimed that they are clean of any performance enhancing drugs, the results of the steroid tests conducted by NSAC only covers urine testing. These do not include the comprehensive testing being pushed through by Floyd Mayweather Jr. The executive director of NSAC clarified to the media that they only subjected the two fighters to urine testing. “Today’s was the commission test. It was the official test before the fight. The fact that they’re doing some additional testing on their own, well, they’re free to do that,” Kizer said.

Mayweather required every opponent to undergo an Olympic style blood testing just like what he demanded on Sugar Shane Mosley and Manny Pacquiao. The blood test was not an issue with Mosley but Pacquaio initially made a counter offer on the Olympic style test. Though, recent reports showed that the 8-division world boxing champion already agreed to an Olympic Style blood testing.

Mayweather and Ortiz will be subjected to USADA’s random urine and blood testing. However, there are still no reports with regards to the results of USADA’s test. A lot of boxing fans (especially those who are anti-Mayweather) are asking about the steroid test results of USADA. They want to know if Mayweather really subjected himself to blood testing and if he was cleared for any kind of steroid.

NSAC Will Still Conduct Another Round of Steroid Testing

Kizer also told RingTV that the steroid test on Mayweather and Ortiz is just a part of the anti-doping measures of the athletic commission. “Usually a month or so out from the fight, I call up the lab and I say that I’m going to send these two fighters for testing,” said Kizer. Mayweather and Ortiz will still undergo pre-fight and post-fight test on September 17.

Ortiz Camp not Bothered by Steroid Tests

Mayweather’s opponent is not bothered by the type of testing that he requires. According to Rolando Arrellano, Ortiz’ manager, his fighter has nothing to worry because Ortiz is clean of steroids. “It’s part of the terms and the conditions of the contract, and we’ve been testing with urine, we’ve been testing with blood, and they’ve all been clean because Victor’s not on anything,” he said.

“We’re providing what they’re asking, and it’s no problem because we’re not doing anything illegal,” added Arellano. But the most important message they want Floyd to know is this, “We don’t care what Floyd wants us to do, because we’re going to beat him any way.”

A fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao may not happen in 2012. Some boxing analysts say the probability is less than 50% if we will base it on the current demands of each fighter. Not seeing the two great fighters in the ring next year is again a great disappointment for many boxing fans around the world.

The previous stumbling block is the Olympic style blood testing demanded by Floyd Mayweather Jr. He started requiring opponents to undergo extensive steroid testing when a fight between him and Pacquiao began to materialize. The undefeated champion wants to clean the sports from performance enhancing drugs.

Though many boxing fans still doubt his sincerity and thinks Floyd Jr is just avoiding a possible stain on his zero loss record. Pacquiao is on a winning streak and has sent many boxing champions to the floor. On the other hand, Floyd and his group believe that the world’s 8 division boxing champion uses steroids to outclass his opponents.

Pacquiao Accepted Random Blood Testing

Recently, Pacquiao told the media that he is willing to submit to Olympic style blood testing. He can be tested anytime during the training and after the fight. He agreed to the random test without any cut-off date. Top Rank promoter Bob Arum also announced that there were no more hindrances in the Pacquiao-Mayweather bout. The promoter said the fight purse of 50-50 has already been accepted by both parties.

If Pacquiao already accepted random blood testing, which he shunned in the previous negotiations, why is it that many are still skeptical about the realization of the mega fight between the two fighters?

Who Will Conduct the Drug Testing?

The main issue now is who will conduct the drug testing on Manny Pacquiao. The Mayweather camp wants the USADA to handle the drug testing on Pacquiao. However, the big problem is, USADA can’t go to the Philippines to test Manny for steroids. The 8 world division champion usually spend half of his training in his home country. He will only go the US for the final stage of his training and when the scheduled fight is already near.

Based on online reports, Floyd Mayweather only wants USADA and is not in favor of giving the testing process to any other anti-doping agency. Arum told reporters a few weeks ago that the steroid testing will be handled by the World Anti-Doping Agency in cooperation with the Nevada State Athletic Commission. WADA oversees drug testing in the Olympics and has been in the forefront in the fight against abuse of performance enhancing drugs in sports. In fact, anti-doping agencies like the USADA follow the standards of WADA.

Is this Another Way of Avoiding Pacquiao?

Floyd Jr insisted it is not. In the interview of Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times, Floyd Jr said he really wants to fight Pacquiao but with conditions. Pacquiao must cooperate with him in taking the steroid test. “Absolutely. Write that word down 10 times in a row. I absolutely want the fight,” Floyd Jr said.

Floyd also added that he doesn’t care how much money is negotiated for the fight. What he is after is making the sport clean and wants a level playing field. “I want to be on a level playing field with this guy. We’re fighting at the highest level, talking about the biggest fight ever. You should have the greatest testing too,” he said.

More Questions than Answers

When Floyd said that Pacquiao should cooperate with him, does it mean asking Pacquiao to spend his training in the US just to allow USADA perform its job? Maybe yes, maybe no. Why is it that Floyd doesn’t want any other anti-doping agency handle the drug testing process even the WADA? Does it mean USADA is better than WADA?

Evading the steroid defamation case and asking too many conditions are enough for us to think that Floyd Jr has another thing in mind. We can surmise that it’s not about fighting Manny Pacquiao.

The legal battle between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. continues. Both parties are using all legal remedies to win the steroid defamation case. Floyd Jr., in his effort to delay the proceedings, filed a motion to postpone his deposition. However, it was denied by the Nevada court and also lost his appeal.

The court contends that Floyd Jr. did not present any legal basis why he should not be forced to appear in court to testify. The lawyers of Floyd claim that their client is busy training for the Mayweather-Ortiz fight. This excuse was not accepted by the court.

Default Judgment to End the Steroid Defamation Case

After the long wait, Pacquiao’s lawyers now wants to end the case by asking the court to issue default judgment against Floyd Jr. Daniel Petrocelli, Pacquiao’s legal counsel in the US, asked the US District Court in Nevada yesterday to issue a default ruling on the steroid defamation suit filed against Floyd Jr., his father, and uncle Roger Mayweather.

Pacquiao’s lawyers believe that the continued refusal and disregard of a court order by Floyd Jr. is enough for the judge to issue the ruling. “Judges can and do issue defaults against parties who do not obey their orders and won’t participate in the discovery process according the rules. And you forfeit your opportunity to be a litigant when you defy the rules,” Petrocelli told USA Today

Floyd Jr. Seen Partying While Avoiding Deposition

Before a judgment can be obtained, the defendant will be allowed to answer the motion filed by Pacquiao’s camp. However, this would become more difficult for the lawyers of Floyd Jr. to defend their client. Based on the court filing, Pacquiao’s lawyer provided evidences that prove Floyd Jr. is not interested appearing in court. Floyd Jr. was given at least 24 dates to make his deposition but these were all rejected. He cited that the training and promotion of his fight hinders him to make any court appearances.

But there were documents proving that Floyd Jr. was busy partying in various parts of the country particularly in Nevada and Atlanta. Photos showed that he is not training during those 24 dates that he claims he is on training.

$10 Million Moral Damages

Pacquiao is asking more than $10 million for moral damages. Floyd Jr. and his camp accused Pacquiao of using anabolic steroids. This started when promoters arranged a mega fight between the two great boxers. Floyd Jr also asked Manny Pacquiao to undergo Olympic style blood testing to prove that he is not doping.

No More Hindrance in the Pacquiao-Mayweather Fight

Boxing promoter Bob Arum told BoxingScene recently that there are no more hindrances in the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight. He made the announcement even if the steroid defamation case has still to be settled. According to Arum, Pacquiao already agreed to the 50-50 share in the fight purse.

Drug testing is not an issue anymore according to the boxing promoter. Pacquiao already agreed to Olympic style blood testing. Arum clarified the news that he doesn’t like USADA to administer the blood testing on Pacquiao if ever the mega fight happens. “USADA can only handle drug testing in the United States. The USADA can’t go to the Philippines, and that’s where Manny will do the 1st part of his training camp,” said Arum. A WADA accredited laboratory in the Philippines will handle the preliminary tests instead.

Plans May Still Change

Even if Arum is optimistic that the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight will happen, other factors may still derail the negotiations. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is still fighting Victor Ortiz on September 17 while Manny Pacquiao is scheduled to fight Juan Manuel Marquez on November 12.

And lastly, if the steroid case will continue up to 2012, a bout between the two rivals may not materialize.

There is a new trend in boxing, fighting outside the ring is becoming common. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is facing a steroid defamation suit filed by the 8 world division champion Manny Pacquiao. Floyd jr. and his camp alleged that Pacquiao is taking some form of performance enhancing drug in winning those titles.

Just before the Khan-Judah fight, British boxer Amir Khan retaliates to the accusation of trainer Roger Mayweather that he is also on steroids. Khan vehemently denied this issue and explained he passed every steroid test before and after any fight.

Unfortunately, Khan’s TKO of Judah in their unification bout did not end this issue. Coaches are now taking the spotlight exchanging jabs in behalf of their fighters. Conditioning Coach Victor Conte joined the Mayweathers in the anti-steroid campaign. Conte insinuated that his rival conditioning coach Alex Ariza might be giving steroids to his boxers.

Amir Khan, Manny Pacquiao and Julio Cesar Chavez are just some of the best fighters in the world under Ariza’s conditioning program. It is not surprising if Conte made the same allegation because Zab Judah is under his program.

Conte is Behind Steroid Testing of Wild Card Boxers

In the interview of Lem Satterfield, Ariza said that it was Victor Conte who openly calls for steroid testing of all his boxers in the Wild Card Gym. A single case of doping already made them all suspects for steroids use said the coach.

Who’s the Best Conditioning Coach?

Ariza was in a fight mode when he countered Conte’s allegation. He has something to say about Conte’s bragging of his program. “In addition, Conte put out a statement saying that he’s got a more scientific and more comprehensive program than I do.” Victor Conte owns the SNAC (Scientific Nutrition for Advanced Conditioning). He is well known for producing supplements for professional athletes.

In fact, Conte was able to produce designer steroids that can’t be detected by anti-doping tests. His BALCO company was shut down by the government and he was sent to jail. After serving his jail term, Conte tried to redeem himself by helping USADA in its anti-doping crusade.

On the other hand, Ariza contends that he has a better conditioning program. “I really didn’t realize how good my program was until I saw Manny beat Miguel Cotto.” Under his program, Pacquiao took Cotto’s best shots and beat the latter badly.

Ariza Welcomes Steroid Testing

Ariza is no afraid of putting his fighters under rigorous steroid testing. “I welcome the testing. All that I’m saying is that Victor Conte is going on some kind of soap box about cleaning up the sport,” said Ariza but tells Conte to stay away from his fighters and from boxing. “Dude, Don’t worry about the sport, we’re doing just fine. Worry about whatever bulls**t you’re doing and stay on your side of the fence,” he said.

He said that they agreed to pre and post fight testing on Amir Khan to dispel any allusion that the boxer is taking steroids. “Amir had agreed to random testing and was tested immediately after the Zab Judah fight,” he said.

They are on Steroids

If it is not his wards who are on steroids, it must be theirs. “Everybody thinks that my guys are on steroids because that’s the kinds of performances that they’re producing,” Ariza said. “People are fighting us differently when they know they’re facing a guy who is trained by me and Freddie, and that’s just a fact,” Ariza concluded.