NOT a single British boxer was tested by anti-doping chiefs during the three months of coronavirus lockdown.
The sport returns this week with promoter Frank Warren staging a show in a BT Sports studio.
Jarrell Miller this month failed yet another pre-fight drug test ahead of his comeback fightCredit: AP:Associated Press
Per British Board of Boxing Control rules only five bouts can be staged a show, with Brad Foster defending his British and Commonwealth super-bantamweight titles against James Beech in the headliner.
But boxers could be competing without having been tested after it emerged there has been no anti-doping tests between March 23 and June 9.
UK Anti-Doping confirmed on Monday night that none of the 1,000-plus pro boxers in the UK have been tested since March 23.
They were slammed earlier in the year after announcing their testing programme during the pandemic would have to be scaled back.
Irish boxer Michael Conlan tweeted at the time: “UKAD just opening up the door for all the juicing fighters to go crazy on the juice.
“Roid rage will be at an all-time high during corona season.”
UKAD only tested one cyclist and 12 rugby union players during the lockdown period.
Heavyweight boxer Jarrell Miller this month failed yet another pre-fight drug test ahead of his comeback.
The 31-year-old American last year lost out on a reported £5million payday and the opportunity to challenge for the unified titles after he failed a hat-trick of drug tests prior to fighting Anthony Joshua.
UKAD just opening up the door for all the juicing fighters to go crazy on the juice.
Michael Conlan in March
Following a measly six month ban by the WBA, Miller was rewarded with a deal to sign for US promotion Top Rank and was scheduled to make his ring return this week against Jerry Forrest.
That was until news broke that the heavyweight bad boy had once again tested positive for a banned substance – believed to be GW1516, one of the substances that ruled him out of fighting Joshua.
Miller protested his innocence after the shameful news by insisting he never willingly took the performance enhancing steroid and was left more “outraged” than anyone else.
He told Fight Network: “This is something that was ingested.
“We don’t know if it was contaminated, but we’re investigating as of right now. Me and my team are just working due diligently to get the facts 100 per cent straight.
“I have never ever willingly take a steroid for performance enhancement purposes.
“Did I take something for healing properties, for injury, yes I have. Before a fight to win a fight and during a training camp, no, I have never done that.
“Nobody can be more outraged than me. I’m the one that’s lost millions of dollars. I’m the one that’s had his career on the line.
“But I have to think about it with a straight mind. I have to figure it out. Sit down with my team. Get everything in order and get everything done in the right way.”
Miller will now be placed on temporary suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
Eddie Hearn says Jarrell Miller’s career is over after failing another drug test
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
