Earlier this week, SB Nation released an article entitled, "Can Boxing Trust USADA?" written by Thomas Hauser. The report takes a shot at the United States Anti-Doping Agency and its practices.
Thomas Hauser specifically pointed out that the process and method of testing done for the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight was indicative of the agency's incompetence.
According to the publication, Floyd Mayweather was caught using a banned IV in his own home just a day ahead of his fight against Manny Pacquiao.
On the other hand, Mayweather's camp claims that the IV consisted of saline and vitamins that were used to treat dehydration. However, IVs of this kind are also used as a way to conceal other substances - legal or illegal - within the body.
Three weeks after the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight, the USADA granted Floyd Mayweather a Therapeutic Use Exemption for the IV, basically suggesting that the champion had done nothing wrong.
But the Nevada State Athletic Commission and its executive director Bob Bennett thought other wise, stating that the USADA doesn't even have the authority to grant such an exemption:
"The TUE for Mayweather's IV - and the IV was administered at Floyd's house, not in a medical facility, and wasn't brought to our attention at the time - was totally unacceptable. [...] I've made it clear to [USADA CEO] Travis Tygart that this should not happen again. We have the sole authority to grant any and all TUEs in the state of Nevada. USADA is a drug-testing agency. USADA should not be granting waivers and exceptions. Not in this state. We are less that pleased that USADA acted the way it did."
Manny Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum has come out regarding the matter, saying that he is "outraged."
Shortly after the reports surfaced, USADA released a statement further supporting their initial decision, as Complex puts it: "Floyd Mayweather did not violate any rules prior to his fight with Manny Pacquiao."
Floyd Mayweather also released a following statement:
"As already confirmed by the USADA statement, I did not commit any violations of the Nevada or USADA drug testing guidelines. I follow and have always followed the rules of Nevada and USADA, the gold standard of drug testing. Let's not forget that I was the one six years ago who insisted on elevating the level of drug testing for all my fights. As a result, there is more drug testing and awareness of its importance in the sport of boxing today than ever before. I am very proud to be a clean athlete and will continue to champion the cause."
