Floyd Mayweather 'did not breach anti-doping rules' before Manny Pacquiao win
Thursday 10 September 2015 19:13, UK
Floyd Mayweather has denied breaching anti-doping rules in the run-up to his May victory over Manny Pacquiao.
Mayweather is preparing for what he insists will be the final contest of his career this weekend, but with just days to go before he takes on Andre Berto, the American has taken time out to rubbish reports he took an illegal injection ahead of the Pacquiao fight.
The injection in question was approved by the United States Anti-Doping Agency, although his exemption was not confirmed until more than two weeks after the May 2 points win.
Mayweather's statement read: "As already confirmed by USADA, I did not commit any violations of the Nevada or USADA drug testing guidelines. 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."
Mayweather and Pacquiao agreed to abide by World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines before their meeting, and USADA says it was that agreement that led Mayweather to ask for an exemption for an injection which "was not prohibited under the NSAC rules at that time and would not be a violation of the NSAC rules today".
The USADA statement added: "It is simply absurd to suggest that we would ever compromise our integrity for any sport or athlete."
