By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse
United States Anti-Doping Agency chief executive, Travis Tygart, has been brought in to oversee the Olympic-style, random blood-testing that will be used on undefeated Floyd Mayweather and WBA welterweight (147 pounds) super champion, Shane Mosley, leading up to their May 1 fight at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
This method of testing, to be implemented in boxing for the first time ever, was at the center of the controversy that led to the failed negotiations of a match up between Mayweather and WBO welterweight (147 pounds) king and seven-division titlist, Manny Pacquiao.
Up until this point, boxing has only used urinalysis to detect the use of steroids and other illegal drugs. Tygart spoke to FanHouse about his role in the drug-testing implementation of Mayweather--Mosley, each of whom has agreed to be subjected to the random method of testing as part of their contract negotiations.
FanHouse: What protocol is set up for a fight of this nature and magnitude in general?
Travis Tygart: Both fighters, and both camps have reached out to us to put in the gold standard testing for the fight, and so, we're just trying to work out the final details.
I can't talk about the specifics of it at this stage, but I can certainly talk about it, hypothetically, about the two boxers wanting us to put in a program and what it would look like.
The protocol would fall under the USADA protocol for testing, which implements the mandatory provisions from the World Anti-Doping Code, setting out the full list of prohibited substances and methods from the WADA 2010 list.
It would put an emphasis on both blood and urine, out of competition, no advance notice testing.
FH: So, in other words, drugs would be tested for and the testing will be unannounced, random testing for both blood and urine?
Tygart: The random notion, it would be used intelligently. We don't like the word random, because that implies that you have a lottery bag, and you're pulling out all of these balls.
We will look at the fighters' individual training schedules, and the date of the competition, and execute what we would call an intelligence-based testing plan on them utilizing the world class, WADA-accredited sport drug-testing laboratories for sample analysis.
The collections will be done in accordance with the international standards for testing, so that the athletes have the maximum comfort in the collection process, but also ensuring the sample integrity.
There will be individualized education for the participants, so that they are fully aware of what's tested for and what's not, and their responsibilities under this type of program.
FH: Will the results be released to the commission, and, as received, in turn, also, to the public?
Tygart: Certainly any adverse reports would not be confidential. Transparency is a key piece to any program.
If someone has tested positive and has had a full, and, fair opportunity to challenge the test results or explain why they tested positive, and a sanction ultimately results -- that will be made public.
FH: The Nevada State Athletic Commission does not test, specifically, for EPO, HGH, and others things like provigil, clembuterol, and insulin. Are there any substances that are not necessarily tested for or detectable by the commission's normal procedures that will be a positive result under the USADA and WADA standards, and, as a result, grounds for the fight being canceleld or the removal of a fight participant who tests positive?
Tygart: We follow the WADA prohibited list. If the world has agreed that it's a performance-hancing and dangerous drug to the health of an athlete, or that it violates the spirit of sports, then its on the list and will be tested for.
FH: Can you disclose how close to the fight, and to the weigh-in the fighters can and will be tested?
Tygart: Testing can be done at really any time and at any place. Unannounced. And you know the importance of that. Fighters can't have knowledge of when they're going to be tested because they can attempt to do things to avoid detection.
FH: Can fighters be tested for things like gene-doping, and methods such as that?
Tygart: Where there is a scientifically valid test, and it's prohibited, it's tested for.
FH: How important is it to you that this inaugural venture into boxing be done with the utmost of credibility?
Tygart: We won't be involved with a program that is not credible. So we'll ensure a full and effective and credible program for clean athletes if we're involved.
FH: How helpful was it to have at least had the platform to speak on regarding the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight to set you up for putting in place what you need to put in place for this fight?
Tygart: I think that's a really good question. One athlete wanted to do the right thing, and we want the right thing for all athletes, and so it's pretty simple to put the right program in place if there's a desire for it.
I think that you have to give credit to the athlete and the camp. Clean athletes are what we do, and sometimes, it only takes one athlete to make an impact and a difference in a particular sport. And let's hope that that's what ultimately happens here.
FH: What is your reaction to how Floyd Mayweather (pictured at right) has been viewed as a result of his stance?
Tygart: Look, I think, absolutely, that he has taken an admirable stand. Any time an athlete wants to have an effective anti-doping program in place, and he has the leverage to do it, then they should demand it.
We've certainly seen or heard of athletes who have retired from sports because they don't want to compete on a drug-infested playing field.
And so, when you have one athlete who is unwilling to participate in a single match, but has plenty of other opportunities, I mean, I think that that needs to be well-respected, and, well-supported as well.
FH: Do you believe that, eventually, the sports of boxing and MMA will be forced into changing their rules?
Tygart: It's just so easy to do the right thing. There's no reason that they shouldn't. Hopefully, it doesn't take a scandal or deaths to force them to do that.
Hopefully, one athlete can stand up and demand it, and that will enlighten others toward putting it in place. One way or another, it's going to eventually catch up to them if they don't.
So, hopefully, this is the catalyst that drives those sports toward changing, quicker, and they don't wait on a BALCo-type scandal like baseball had to deal with, and others had to deal with. Or God forbid, some harm happens to some fighters.
FH: Is there anything that you would like to add?
Tygart: I appreciate the interest in it. It's critically important. There are some difference-makers out there in the sport who are going to make this happen, and, hopefully, that will have long-term, positive benefits for the sport.
Source:
boxing.fanhouse.com
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