Combat sport is suffering a pandemic. Boxing matches are falling through and boxers receiving bans. All because of PEDs. Wilder vs Ortiz looks to have fallen through due to a positive sample from Ortiz.
The EBU can proudly boast that just over half of their boxers have signed up with random drug testing. This is something that a boxer must volunteer for and cannot be forced. Random drug testing means that boxers will be tested regularly throughout the year and at random. The amount of tests increases when boxers start training. A boxer can be tested at ay location and at any time of day. In theory, it guarantees to catch drug cheats.
So why do boxers take the risk? The punishment is severe. A 1 year ban is the minimum. The EBU issues a life time ban if someone is caught three times. PEDs are used to increase strength, power, muscle growth, healing, energy and aggression. Some PEDs aid fat loss and not all banned substances are steroid based.
There are people that feel PEDs should be legalised in professional sport. They argue that professional sport is the pinnacle and the pinnacle can only be reached through PEDs. They say that you can never stop it and one will always be at a disadvantage because one will always be doping. I have issues with this. Yes, if both a taking PEDs, it is fair. But Boxing is all about being naturally superior than the average man in combat. I feel that there is only one way to deal with PEDs in boxing. Anyone that uses should be issued with a life time ban immediately.
James Fearne
English Boxing Union 