Mayweather and Pacquiao underwent at least eight doping tests before the 'fight of the century'

The first weekend of May is all about the boxing superfight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. The fight, which has been called the 'fight of the century', generates millions of dollars. For this reason, the promoters took a series of precautions for the confrontation, such as subjecting the athletes to an incredible eight anti-doping tests.

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With an excess of doping cases emerging every day in the fight world, Mayweather and Pacquiao agreed to be tested at least eight times during the preparation period, with urine and blood tests.

“They both agreed to be tested randomly during training and were tested at least eight times each. And I believe that they probably would have been tested at the weigh-in and will be after the fight. So we will probably reach ten tests, blood and urine, carbon isotope tests… And these are high-level tests, they are the same tests that are carried out at the Olympics with athletes. If they dodge a test that is impossible to dodge, it is because they used a drug that is impossible to find”, explained Kevin Iole, journalist at the Boxing Hall of Fame and director of the organization's Board of Directors, in an excerpt transcribed on the channel's website. Combat.

In turn, Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's coach and mentor, confirmed that his athlete underwent more than 12 tests in the preparation period.

“We have already been tested a dozen times in our gym during this camp of training. I hope it was the same. I don't know about Mayweather's camp, but I know we went through blood tests more than a dozen times,” said Freddie Roach, the Filipino's coach.

Fight of the century

The fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao has been called the fight of the century for many reasons. The duel will be valid for the unification of the welterweight title. Pacquiao, champion by the World Boxing Organization, and Mayweather holds the belt by the World Boxing Council. In addition to the emerald and diamond belt made just for the fight, valued at US$ 1 million. The fight starts at 1am this Sunday (Brasília time).