WBC launches Clean Boxing Program with year-round random drug testing
LAS VEGAS - The World Boxing Council, in association with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) announced the launch of its Clean Boxing Program, in which the top 15-rated WBC fighters in each weight class will be subjected to random, year-round, unannounced testing for performance-enhancing drugs and other prohibited methods.
The program, which is being funded by the WBC, will be administered by VADA. The common goal of the two organizations is to have a clean sport.
No single regulatory body oversees all of professional boxing. Currently, testing for PEDs is limited and without uniformity from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman and VADA President Margaret Goodman are hoping to educate fighters on the dangers and consequences of consuming PEDs. That goal has led to the implementation of the different facets of the CBP around the world. The CBP also aspires to educate fighters about the benefits of utilizing effective nutrition and training practices.
The CBP offers a multi-tiered approach, beginning with a mandatory webinar entitled "Winning Fair with the Clean Boxing Program." The webinar will advise fighters about their obligations and the required paperwork that must be completed. It will also discuss the CBP/VADA prohibited drug list, PED side effects, and the risks of prohibited supplement use.
Fighters will be given a 90-day window starting Sunday to view the webinar and file their registration and whereabouts forms. Those items, plus all policies, procedures and protocols, are available on the WBC web site at http://wbcboxing.com/WBCVADA/. Anti-doping experts and confidential counseling will be available to fighters who enroll in the CBP.
The groundbreaking program is mandatory for all WBC champions and the top fifteen WBC-rated fighters in each weight class. The CBP also has funds to incorporate any other fighter who enrolls on a voluntary basis.
Each athlete will be notified of his or her test results.
(Photo of Mauricio Sulaiman by Joe Camporeale, Paste BN Sports)