Floyd Mayweather hits back at 'false' doping claims and states: 'I am a clean athlete'
Uneaten American takes on Andre Berto in final fight on Saturday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Floyd Mayweather has denied any wrongdoing in his approach to drug testing and maintains that he is a clean athlete following allegations he has received favourable treatment from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
An article published on Thursday alleged that just a day before his May 2 fight with Manny Pacquiao - the richest in history - Mayweather, with USADA's knowledge, used an IV (Intravenous therapy) to rehydrate himself after weighing-in, despite doing so being prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
USADA has confirmed Mayweather's use of an IV but insisted that because he had been granted a Theraputic Use Exemption (TUE) he remained entirely innocent and that the article in question was "riddled with significant inaccuracies and misrepresentations based on unsubstantiated rumours as well as anonymous or self-interested sources".
It also said that every time they had overseen professional boxing, they had done so "in accordance with the WADA Code and the International Standards".
Mayweather, who faces Andre Berto at Las Vegas' MGM Grand on Saturday in a fight he claims will be his last, has also dismissed suggestions that he has in any way violated the anti-doping measures put in place by USADA.
"As already confirmed by the USADA Statement, I did not commit any violations of the Nevada or USADA drug testing guidelines," he said in a statement.
"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."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments