The WBC announced it would resume PED testing under its Clean Boxing Program and in conjunction with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.
Testing was suspended for at least three weeks on March 21 as a preventive step during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told ESPN KnockOut that the organization was awaiting final details before resuming tests.
"We're ready. It's just a matter of the lab confirming the areas where testing can be conducted," Sulaiman said. "We're in communication with VADA; they are putting together the appropriate protocols to start the Clean Boxing Program's tests. We've gotten ahead on a lot of the administrative work, and very soon we'll conduct surprise testing on a random basis."
Sulaiman said the WBC's guidelines won't override any existing pandemic regulations.
"Testing was suspended out of precautionary and health reasons, and to not put either the lab collectors or the boxers and their families at risk," he said. "It didn't make sense to think that during a pandemic in which the whole world is staying home, obligated by law in some cases, to consider disregarding these regulations over a project."
As for marijuana, Sulaiman said the WBC will continue to prohibit its use because the organization believes its effects can cause damage within the ring. However, the WBC will treat any positive marijuana test as a special case because it is not a performance-enhancing substance.
"It's something listed under VADA's protocol, so it's not a substance that will generate a direct ban with sanctions similar to a positive doping result," Sulaiman said. "There are administrative sanctions of a social kind, but it's not a substance that gives a competitive edge.
"Cocaine gives you a competitive edge, if you use it and fight under its effects, as do anabolics or growth hormones. There are substances that provide a competitive advantage, and advantages that put boxers at risk are not allowed."
