SB Nation reported Wednesday that Floyd Mayweather received an illegal IV ahead of his May 2 fight against Manny Pacquiao, and needless to say, the Filipino boxer’s promoters aren’t too happy.
The report alleged that Mayweather received two saline and vitamin cocktails on May 1 to battle dehydration. The solutions themselves weren’t banned, but intravenous injections are prohibited as they can mask other substances in the blood.
“It is very disturbing,” Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum told USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday. “Yeah, I am outraged. But I don’t know what we can do about it. I can’t change the result.”
Mayweather received a therapeutic use exemption from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for the IVs, but the undefeated boxer didn’t even apply for it until May 19. The USADA notified Arum and the Nevada State Athletic Commission on May 21, the day after they approved it.
Arum said he did receive the notification, but the details in the SB Nation report still upset him.
“It sure does, especially coupled with the stuff of Manny not being allowed a perfectly legal (injection),” Arum told USA TODAY.
Arum also said it was curious how Mayweather often announces fights just four or five weeks in advance, which isn’t enough time for proper testing.
“I am not casting aspersions at anyone,” Arum said. “But I have always wondered why does (Mayweather) leave it to the last minute before he announces the fight.”
The USADA and Mayweather denied any wrongdoing by the boxer in the matter in statements.
“As already confirmed by the USADA statement, I did not commit any violations of the Nevada or USADA drug testing guidelines,” Mayweather said, via ESPN. “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.”
Thumbnail photo via Joe Camporeale/USA TODAY Sports Images
