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Ahhh boxing! This is the only major sport where something as important as drug testing is left to the promoters and handlers–a clear conflict of interest.
Golden Boy Promotions has botched the testing regimen that was supposed to be in place for Shawn Porter's title defense against Kell Brook on August 16. Both fighters agreed to testing that would be overseen by USADA, which requires a six-week process. We're now just over two weeks out from the fight and, according to ESPN's Dan Rafael, neither fighter has been asked for a sample.
Oscar de la Hoya fumbled on a media call last week when asked about testing and passed the buck to Golden Boy VP Eric Gomez. In an email to ESPN, Gomez blamed the snafu on rescheduling of the fight:
"When the date changed to Aug. 16, there wasn't enough time. We then, collectively [Golden Boy and Brook promoter Matchroom Boxing], agreed to have the California State Athletic Commission handle the testing. The UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory, through the [California] Department of Consumer Affairs, will handle the testing for us. They start testing this week."
Oy vey.