“They Have Got Bad at Testing”: Nico Ali Walsh Remains Brutally Honest About the Current State of Doping Test Rules in Boxing (Exclusive)

Published 01/06/2024, 7:19 AM EST

Doping tests in boxing have become spicier than reality TV shows these days, and Nico Ali Walsh isn’t happy about it. In an exclusive chat with Kenny Ducey for the EssentiallySports FanCast, Walsh spoke about the current state of doping tests in the sport.

Not so long ago, Krzysztof Glowacki was banned for four years from all sports for using anabolic steroids, according to WADA. Not to mention Jarrell Miller’s stint with the ban hammer or Conor Benn, who had to sit out of the ring due to his tests turning out positive. So, when Ducey probed Walsh about the same, he spilled the tea and then some!

Nico Ali Walsh praises the Nevada State Athletic Commission

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Nearing the middle of the Exclusive Interview with EssentiallySports, Walsh suggested that just discussing the subject in open forums would work wonders in drawing attention to it. He asserted, “They have got bad at testing,” but also had a solution ready for the issue. “The camps can discuss and allow the camps to test each other,” Walsh proposed.

Walsh then shifted attention to himself, suggesting, “The testing isn’t really looked at, in my level.” However, Walsh claims when he fought in the undercard of Devin Haney and Vasiliy Lomachenko, Walsh’s first pay-per-view event, “They tested for that fight. It was in Vegas; the Nevada commission is super strict.” Walsh further added that regardless of the scale of the fight, each and every boxer should be tested regularly.

“I don’t think you should leave it up for when you are fighting on pay-per-views or when you are fighting in Nevada,” said Walsh. The Chicago native wasn’t done, as he suggested the tests shouldn’t just be limited to fight night. He claimed tests should be carried out at least twice before the fighters enter the ring. “Because the camp can be up to ten weeks…That’s more than enough time to take steroids or just performance enhancers and get off of it,” said Walsh. What’s more, Walsh isn’t alone in calling for more drug tests.

Former two-time World Heavyweight Champion calls for random testing

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Anthony Joshua was scheduled to take on Dillian Whyte in London in August last year. However, Whyte tested positive for a banned substance, resulting in the fight getting canceled. Fortunately, the organizers were able to find a new opponent in Robert Helenius. Yet, the Londoner wasn’t happy with the results as he called for radical changes in how the tests are conducted.

According to an article from The Guardian, Joshua said, “I don’t understand how 60% to 70% of people can get away with doping if you get random drug tests. I get drug-tested all year round.” He went on to argue if he is under pressure for drug tests year-round, why aren’t others going through the same? Joshua further added, “Once you sign up to a top-tier promoter, they should all have that [approach to random testing] as part of the deal.”

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With controversies surrounding doping tests in boxing, Walsh’s Exclusive Interview with EssentiallySports reveals his thoughts on the matter. However, as reflected in Joshua’s statement, Walsh isn’t alone. What is your stance on stringent tests?

Watch This Story: Conor Benn Was Contemplating His Suicide, Says His Wife Cried Thinking He Killed Himself After Not Picking Up Her Call Amid Doping Test Fiasco

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The first time boxing captured my attention, it was because of a line I heard in the film 'Rocky Balboa', a film surrounding boxing. The line went like this, "But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.

Edited by:

Gokul Pillai

“They Have Got Bad at Testing”: Nico Ali Walsh Remains Brutally Honest About the Current State of Doping Test Rules in Boxing (Exclusive)

Nico Ali Walsh praises the Nevada State Athletic Commission

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