Doping in boxing is an ageless canker and the " Nordic Nightmare" is the latest culprit.
In a rather awkward turn of events, Robert Helenius has been handed a two-year ban after testing positive for a banned substance following his clash with Anthony Joshua in 2023.
Two weeks after the fight, VADA reported that Helenius had returned an adverse finding. They also got promoters Matchroom informed about the development.
It was later determined that the prohibited substance Clomifene was detected.
Unsurprisingly, Helenius claimed innocence, citing consumption of chicken and eggs.
UKAD countered this claim by stating: “…following a request by UKAD, Mr Helenius was unable to provide any evidence that the eggs and chicken meat he had consumed in advance of the bout originated from hens that had been administered clomifene.”
Helenius has been a world-level operator for some time, having previously fought Deontay Wilder (lost by first-round KO), Adam Kownacki, whom he beat twice and Dillian Whyte, who he lost to in 2017. Helenius actually stepped in for Whyte against Joshua, after Whyte also tested positive for a banned substance prior to the fight.
The latter instance is what baffles many. Helenius came in as a last minute substitute. So was he already doping before being called in or he just applied the substance after being offered the fight?
A conundrum right there.
Doping continues to be a major issue in world boxing.
Conor Benn and Amir Khan, Tyson Fury and most recently Ryan Garcia are some of the high profile names who have been caught up and found culpable in similar incidents.
Even Mexican Superstar Saul "Canelo "Alvarez was once upon the time found to be positive for the banned substance Clenbuterol.
Stiffer punitive measures ought to be meted out if indeed the authorities intend to curb this menace to the barest, and clean up the sport we all love.
The mere fact that an individual as smeared as Victor Conte is anywhere close to boxing speaks volumes about our negligence when it comes to cleaning up the sport.
Boxing is a dangerous sport, hence the competition needs to be on fair grounds.
Safety and Fairness are inexorable elements we need to instill in all earnesty.
By Samuel Opoku Amoah
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