MANILA, Philippines - From here on until fight night, the US Anti-Doping Agency can come down knocking on the doors of Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
It was announced yesterday that the two superstars, who will soon figure in the richest fight in boxing history, have agreed to random drug-testing to be conducted by USADA.
At any given time, day and night, USADA can collect urine or blood samples (or both) from either fighter.
There are 50 days to the fight. The two boxers will be tested a reasonable number of times. Tests will also be conducted immediately after the fight set May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The Los Angeles Times reported yesterday that any fighter who will test positive for any illegal substance listed by USADA will face a four-year ban from the sport.
At their age, Mayweather being 38 and Pacquiao at 36, a four-year suspension is like a pink slip.
USADA will be on the lookout for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and will conduct the tests the way it does on Olympic athletes.
Both Pacquiao and Mayweather agreeing to USADA procedures shows a clear intention on their part to make sure that fight is fought on even terms.
They want it nice and clean.
“It’s a strong statement of the importance of clean and safe competition to have these two fighters voluntarily agree to have a WADA level anti-doping program implemented for this fight,” USADA chief Travis Tygart told the LA Times.
“We commend them for their stand for clean sport and the message it sends to all those who want to compete clean at the highest levels of all sport,” he added.
In their recent fights, Pacquiao and Mayweather had undergone drug-testing many times under different procedures, and neither fighter has failed any.
It’s same sensitive issue that prevented the super fight from happening in 2010.
Years back, Mayweather accused Pacquiao of taking performance-enhancers, leading to a court case that was eventually settled off court.
This time they’re on the same page.