Recently we have seen a number of high profile boxers been caught using drugs including Tyson Fury, Luis Ortiz to name but a few and most recently team GB’s Muhammad Ali fail a drugs test. So we have to ask does boxing have a drug problem.
Based on the number of boxers failing drug tests the answer seems to be yes but why are boxers using drugs? Now this is just my opinion and I could be wrong but as we all know boxing like any other sport is a business first and foremost. So I believe the reason we are seeing an upturn in drug use is down to money. I know that’s a big bold statement to make, but think about it if you’re a top 50 fighter fighting 4 to 5 times a year you will make a decent living. However if you knew you could suddenly jump into the top 20 or 10 just by taking something like a stimulant or something to help you recover faster you would probably do it. Then before you know it you are in bigger fights and on a better promotional deal. Then you’ve got endorsements or a world title shot and by then taking drugs is then the norm for you. Now I’m not saying that all boxers do this because they don’t but I can see how a fighter could get caught up in drugs.
So how do we get rid of drugs from the sport we love, a the moment all boxers are tested before every fight , but that is not good enough because if a fighter is using an illegal substance what ever it may be they will just stop taking it before the test to give it enough time for it to be clear from their system. So the test will come back negative but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been taking something in camp. I think it should be compulsory for all fighters both amateur and professional to sign up to a random drug testing program, were they have to let the anti doping association know where they are at all times 24 hour a day 7 days a week 365 days a year, that way the drug tests are truly random, and any fighter who refuses their license should be suspended. That way the playing field would be truly level and everyone would know where they stand. If a fighter tests positive for any ban substance they should be ban from boxing or competing in any other sport for life.
On top of this I think fighters should be better educated on the effects of drugs on their body, and fighters should be able to come forward without retribution if they feel they’ve got a problem with drugs so they can get the help and support they need.
I know this is a controversial subject but I think it’s important we talk about it and then maybe one day we will have a truly clean sport which is what all boxers and boxing fans alike want. Please comment below and let me know your thoughts.
Totally agree with your assessment of the problem you only have to look at wrestling and how many have died early because of drugs a very good subject we’ll done.