Add world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko to the list of Boxers who won’t agree to the random drug testing that Floyd Mayweather Jr has tried to impose upon the sport of Boxing. In a recent interview, Wladimir’s brother Vitali Klitschko publicly stated that Wladimir would not agree to random drug testing up to the day of the fight with likely opponent Alexander Povetkin.
Povetkin is the #1 contender for Klitschko’s IBF title and wants the random style drug testing to be done and regulated by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
“Wladimir has to fight Povetkin because of the IBF and he will take any tests under the rules of the World Boxing Federation. The tests are sent to an international sports laboratory in Cologne, which is one of the most modern in the world. If someone has any doubts, let them go send letters to [the lab] to investigate” Vitali, Golzka
Just like Manny Pacquiao’s initial response to Floyd Mayweather Jr’s drug testing demands, the Klitschkos believe that the regulating body, World Boxing Federation, can handle all testing responsibilities. Manny said from day 1 that he would adhere to the state athletic commission’s testing. Unfortunately, some state’s athletic commissions are far behind in detecting PEDs.
Wladimir is being forced to fight Alexander ultimately because David Haye hasn’t accepted Klitschko’s fight proposal. Wladimir has been publicly campaigning for a fight with Haye who has ‘backed’ out of previous opportunities. The feud between Haye and the Klitschkos has turned ugly; which is why many fans want to see this fight. It’s arguably the only fight that matters in the heavyweight division.
Klitschko’s anger for Haye is so prevalent that he’s doing everything possible to make this fight happen. According to Klitschko’s trainer Manny Steward, he’s never seen Wladimir so angry before.
“Wladimir has never been this verbal about wanting a fight with any other fighter since I’ve been with him. Never has he been as angry with any fighter like he has been with David. Calling him, ‘Bitch,’ and all of this stuff. David Haye has got Wladimir ramped up like I’ve never seen him. All of a sudden, Wladimir is talking back, and David has quit talking. Period!” Steward, Boxingscene.com
