Between the Ropes: Boxing and Biogenesis

The sports world is abuzz with the news that Miami-based Biogenesis founder and suspected PED peddler Anthony Bosch is set to assist MLB with its investigation into banned substance use by several high-profile baseball players, including the Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez and the Brewers’ Ryan Braun.

The investigation began in January when former Biogenesis employees came forward with Bosch’s hand-written notes and ledgers detailing his clients and their preferred poisons. Included in these ledgers are interim WBA Featherweight Champion and 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Yuriorkis Gamboa (22-0, 16KOs). Bosch’s hand-written drug regimen for Gamboa, which was prepared in advance of an anticipated fight with Brandon Rios, appears to include the banned substances HGH (Human Growth Hormone), DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), and a note to “Start clean-up Dec. 1.” The fight with Rios, originally scheduled for January, 2012 (which was the month referenced in Bosch’s notes), was postponed until April, and ultimately canceled in March, 2012, due to a legal dispute between Gamboa and his former promoter, Top Rank Promotions.

Unlike Major League Baseball, where those implicated in the Biogenesis scandal are facing suspension and other potential consequences, boxers are only held accountable when tested, which is typically post-fight and sometimes, if fight contracts dictate it, in the weeks leading up to a fight. Gamboa, who fights under 50 Cent’s SMS Promotions banner, is set to defend his interim title this weekend versus Darley Perez (28-0, 19KOs) in Quebec, Canada.

When asked what the testing protocol would be for Saturday, Quebec Boxing Commissioner Michel Hamelin said, “We never mention what is going to be tested, but they will be tested on Saturday.” Hamelin said he was made aware of Gamboa’s involvement in the Biogenesis matter early Wednesday morning. Thus far, Gamboa has not tested positive for any banned substance.

There have been many calls to improve testing among boxers, but without the athletic commissions and major promoters unifying their stances and protocols, and implementing effective, random testing, it is unlikely any major changes will take place.

Credibility or the lack thereof remains the common thread throughout this narrative. We have Bosch, who denied providing banned substances to athletes and only decided to “name names” once he became the target of a lawsuit by Major League Baseball. Then there’s Gamboa, whose name appears in the ledger, casting suspicion on his past and future victories. And last but not least, there’s the sport of boxing itself, which takes a “head in the sand” approach to the issue by virtue of its inaction. Right now, the spotlight is on baseball, but the inclusion of a high-profile boxer on the list is, unfortunately, another black eye for boxing.

Follow Emily on Twitter: @emilyboxing