What’s with Floyd Mayweather and his insistence on using the United Sates Anti-Doping Agency?
“My ultimate goal is not just for USADA in the sport of boxing,†said Mayweather Jr. during an interview in Los Angeles a few months ago, “but for USADA in professional sports, period; because there is too much cheating going on in the sports.â€
Here is a bit of history on the subject; the word “doping†was derived from the Dutch word “dopâ€, the name of beverage made from grape skins used by Zulu warriors to enhance their ability in battle. The term became current in 20th century in association with drugging race horses with illegal substances for maximum performance. However the problem with athletes using enhancement substances is as old as competition itself. Ancient Greek sportsmen were known to use stimulating potions to energize them and to increase their stamina.
With a problem as old as competitive sports, WADA was created. The World Anti-Doping Agency or WADA works towards a vision of a world where all athletes compete in a doping free environment. It was established in 1999 as an independent international agency in collaboration between governments and sport movement. WADA is a Swiss private law foundation with headquarters in Montreal, Canada. The foundation’s main responsibility is to monitor the World Anti-Doping Code in all sports and all countries.
One year later in 2000, United States Anti-Doping Agency, with its headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado was formed and began its operations. USADA is an independent agency that was created to uphold the integrity of US Olympic and Pan American Games athletes.
Is there a relationship between USADA and WADA?
“They (WADA) set the code,†said USADA representative, Jennifer Diego when I spoke to her over the phone this week. “And we abide by it.â€
Sounds pretty simple, right? Apparently that’s not the case for Floyd Mayweather.
“If Floyd Mayweather loses, I want the fighter that’s clean to beat me,†Floyd said. “I am willing to be tested whenever, if USADA is here today, they can test me now. I am a clean athlete and I want to show the world that Floyd Mayweather is a clean athlete. They say I am the face of boxing, so I am making a stand.â€
A few months ago, Team Pacquiao stated that issues with drug testing have been resolved and since there is no USADA in Philippines, WADA would test Manny Pacquiao while he trains there. Since WADA sets the code for everyone in the world, there shouldn’t be any problems.
Rumor has it however, that Mayweather has balked at using WADA.
Let’s hope that’s not the case.
Wada sets the rules and USADA does the testing. USADA said that they could test Manny in the Philippines if the fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather is made. Bob Arum said he doesn’t like USADA and wants a third party to do the testing, like one of his choice. Floyd said no and he continues to stand firm on USADA and random testing without being notified, like Manny wants.
WADA does not test anyone, so lets get the facts straight. One of WADA rules for an athlete testing positive for illegal PEDS, is a fighter will be banned from boxing for 2 years and will be unable to compete. This is the sticker that is holding the fight up and this is one of the reasons why Bob Arum wants to use a different drug testing company.
According to Keith Kizer, the Nevada Athletic Commission doesn’t want strict rules for cheaters in the sport, if they’re caught using PEDS. USADA had a meeting with Keith about updating the Commissions way of testing, lord be hold, USADA was rejected.
At the end of the day, the Pacquaio and Mayweather fight hasn’t happened because random blood and urine testing. Message to the fans-dont believe the hype. People in the media is lying to you.