Addressing the PED problem

[TitoFan]

Geeez... enough with the money excuse already. There's plenty of money in boxing. Set aside an appropriate amount for testing. If not, then let's watch the sport continue to suffer from increased PED use until a high profile fighter gets killed or brain damaged. Then... the calls to ban boxing or clean it up will be ringing off the rafters and something will have to be done. Better now than to wait until that happens.

[IamInuit]

Geeez... enough with the money excuse already. There's plenty of money in boxing. Set aside an appropriate amount for testing. If not, then let's watch the sport continue to suffer from increased PED use until a high profile fighter gets killed or brain damaged. Then... the calls to ban boxing or clean it up will be ringing off the rafters and something will have to be done. Better now than to wait until that happens.

If the promoters and sanctioning bodies cannot come up with the coin after leeching fighters for billions of dollars over the years then provide a suitable pension/retirement plan based on shelf life.

[TitoFan]

Geeez... enough with the money excuse already. There's plenty of money in boxing. Set aside an appropriate amount for testing. If not, then let's watch the sport continue to suffer from increased PED use until a high profile fighter gets killed or brain damaged. Then... the calls to ban boxing or clean it up will be ringing off the rafters and something will have to be done. Better now than to wait until that happens.

If the promoters and sanctioning bodies cannot come up with the coin after leeching fighters for billions of dollars over the years then provide a suitable pension/retirement plan based on shelf life.

I think this is a very doable, sensible action, although it doesn't directly take care of the PED problem. Indirectly, however it would make it less "necessary" for over-the-hill fighters to continue hanging on for that last paycheck, particularly when the only motive is paying off debts. Thus, reducing the probability of a washed up fighter getting seriously hurt. Old fighters might also be less prone to try and extend their careers through their own use of PEDs.

But a big portion of those billions should also go toward testing for PEDs. We seem to find a million excuses as to why it can't be done.... but what we need is someone with the gumption to say "Let's just do it and see what happens. We'll tweak the system if needed as we go."

[IamInuit]

Geeez... enough with the money excuse already. There's plenty of money in boxing. Set aside an appropriate amount for testing. If not, then let's watch the sport continue to suffer from increased PED use until a high profile fighter gets killed or brain damaged. Then... the calls to ban boxing or clean it up will be ringing off the rafters and something will have to be done. Better now than to wait until that happens.

If the promoters and sanctioning bodies cannot come up with the coin after leeching fighters for billions of dollars over the years then provide a suitable pension/retirement plan based on shelf life.

I think this is a very doable, sensible action, although it doesn't directly take care of the PED problem. Indirectly, however it would make it less "necessary" for over-the-hill fighters to continue hanging on for that last paycheck, particularly when the only motive is paying off debts. Thus, reducing the probability of a washed up fighter getting seriously hurt. Old fighters might also be less prone to try and extend their careers through their own use of PEDs.

But a big portion of those billions should also go toward testing for PEDs. We seem to find a million excuses as to why it can't be done.... but what we need is someone with the gumption to say "Let's just do it and see what happens. We'll tweak the system if needed as we go."

Agreed. I guess my point is that if you are going to throw the health of fighters under the bus by ignoring the issue because of probable lost revenue then to me they are at the very least morally obligated (if they have morals) to set up a variety of plans including assured health benefits after the fighters are done. Peds or not. But imo by ignoring the Ped issue these obligations become stronger and philosophically necessary.

[TitoFan]

Geeez... enough with the money excuse already. There's plenty of money in boxing. Set aside an appropriate amount for testing. If not, then let's watch the sport continue to suffer from increased PED use until a high profile fighter gets killed or brain damaged. Then... the calls to ban boxing or clean it up will be ringing off the rafters and something will have to be done. Better now than to wait until that happens.

If the promoters and sanctioning bodies cannot come up with the coin after leeching fighters for billions of dollars over the years then provide a suitable pension/retirement plan based on shelf life.

I think this is a very doable, sensible action, although it doesn't directly take care of the PED problem. Indirectly, however it would make it less "necessary" for over-the-hill fighters to continue hanging on for that last paycheck, particularly when the only motive is paying off debts. Thus, reducing the probability of a washed up fighter getting seriously hurt. Old fighters might also be less prone to try and extend their careers through their own use of PEDs.

But a big portion of those billions should also go toward testing for PEDs. We seem to find a million excuses as to why it can't be done.... but what we need is someone with the gumption to say "Let's just do it and see what happens. We'll tweak the system if needed as we go."

Agreed. I guess my point is that if you are going to throw the health of fighters under the bus by ignoring the issue because of probable lost revenue then to me they are at the very least morally obligated (if they have morals) to set up a variety of plans including assured health benefits after the fighters are done. Peds or not. But imo by ignoring the Ped issue these obligations become stronger and philosophically necessary.

Yep. I just find it inexcusable to be putting up "dollars and cents" barriers and excuses, when PEDs in boxing could easily lead to tragedies in the ring. Suffice it to say the sport has its inherent dangers already. We don't need to add more. And when you see the vast amounts of money flowing in big fights, excuses make even less sense. Just last night I caught part of "The Fight Game", with Jim Lampley... and he closed with a statement regarding the increasing use of PEDs. It's a real issue, and as humorously posted with a picture a few posts back.... it won't go away even if we bury our heads in the sand.

[IamInuit]

Geeez... enough with the money excuse already. There's plenty of money in boxing. Set aside an appropriate amount for testing. If not, then let's watch the sport continue to suffer from increased PED use until a high profile fighter gets killed or brain damaged. Then... the calls to ban boxing or clean it up will be ringing off the rafters and something will have to be done. Better now than to wait until that happens.

If the promoters and sanctioning bodies cannot come up with the coin after leeching fighters for billions of dollars over the years then provide a suitable pension/retirement plan based on shelf life.

I think this is a very doable, sensible action, although it doesn't directly take care of the PED problem. Indirectly, however it would make it less "necessary" for over-the-hill fighters to continue hanging on for that last paycheck, particularly when the only motive is paying off debts. Thus, reducing the probability of a washed up fighter getting seriously hurt. Old fighters might also be less prone to try and extend their careers through their own use of PEDs.

But a big portion of those billions should also go toward testing for PEDs. We seem to find a million excuses as to why it can't be done.... but what we need is someone with the gumption to say "Let's just do it and see what happens. We'll tweak the system if needed as we go."

Agreed. I guess my point is that if you are going to throw the health of fighters under the bus by ignoring the issue because of probable lost revenue then to me they are at the very least morally obligated (if they have morals) to set up a variety of plans including assured health benefits after the fighters are done. Peds or not. But imo by ignoring the Ped issue these obligations become stronger and philosophically necessary.

Yep. I just find it inexcusable to be putting up "dollars and cents" barriers and excuses, when PEDs in boxing could easily lead to tragedies in the ring. Suffice it to say the sport has its inherent dangers already. We don't need to add more. And when you see the vast amounts of money flowing in big fights, excuses make even less sense. Just last night I caught part of "The Fight Game", with Jim Lampley... and he closed with a statement regarding the increasing use of PEDs. It's a real issue, and as humorously posted with a picture a few posts back.... it won't go away even if we bury our heads in the sand.

Either that or simply stop testing all together because the present testing would seem to sustain there use. Yet they frequently catch people with THC residue and make a big deal about it. Pretty hilarious.

[Julius Rain]

What PED problem?

[Beanflicker]

Yep. I just find it inexcusable to be putting up "dollars and cents" barriers and excuses, when PEDs in boxing could easily lead to tragedies in the ring. Suffice it to say the sport has its inherent dangers already. We don't need to add more. And when you see the vast amounts of money flowing in big fights, excuses make even less sense. Just last night I caught part of "The Fight Game", with Jim Lampley... and he closed with a statement regarding the increasing use of PEDs. It's a real issue, and as humorously posted with a picture a few posts back.... it won't go away even if we bury our heads in the sand.

I think your boy Tito punching guys with his "cinder-block" hand wraps was more dangerous than any PED you could take.

You're not acknowledging the fact that the money has to come from somewhere, and increased funds are not going to eliminate PEDs.

Would you support an increase in PPV costs for the consumer to cover these drug testing costs? Do you think that would fly? Let's say an extra 5 or 10 bucks per PPV. There would be absolute outrage. People would go INSANE if they had to shell out an extra 5 bucks for testing, but they'd have no problem asking a promotion company to shell out 50 million for testing.

What does that do to the small-time shows and promoters? You think they can afford to pay these extra drug testing costs with their 4-rounders?

[TitoFan]

Yep. I just find it inexcusable to be putting up "dollars and cents" barriers and excuses, when PEDs in boxing could easily lead to tragedies in the ring. Suffice it to say the sport has its inherent dangers already. We don't need to add more. And when you see the vast amounts of money flowing in big fights, excuses make even less sense. Just last night I caught part of "The Fight Game", with Jim Lampley... and he closed with a statement regarding the increasing use of PEDs. It's a real issue, and as humorously posted with a picture a few posts back.... it won't go away even if we bury our heads in the sand.

I think your boy Tito punching guys with his "cinder-block" hand wraps was more dangerous than any PED you could take.

You're not acknowledging the fact that the money has to come from somewhere, and increased funds are not going to eliminate PEDs.

Would you support an increase in PPV costs for the consumer to cover these drug testing costs? Do you think that would fly? Let's say an extra 5 or 10 bucks per PPV. There would be absolute outrage. People would go INSANE if they had to shell out an extra 5 bucks for testing, but they'd have no problem asking a promotion company to shell out 50 million for testing.

What does that do to the small-time shows and promoters? You think they can afford to pay these extra drug testing costs with their 4-rounders?

This isn't about your ignorance about boxers, boxing history, or facts in general. It's about the dangers of PED use. If you think the only financial answer is to pass along the cost to the PPV customers, instead of taking a piece of the very large pie consumed by boxers and promoters.... then keep on thinking it. Personally, I'd rather try and do something to solve a very real problem, rather than just sitting with my thumbs up my ass fretting about boxers getting brain damaged.

[IamInuit]

Yep. I just find it inexcusable to be putting up "dollars and cents" barriers and excuses, when PEDs in boxing could easily lead to tragedies in the ring. Suffice it to say the sport has its inherent dangers already. We don't need to add more. And when you see the vast amounts of money flowing in big fights, excuses make even less sense. Just last night I caught part of "The Fight Game", with Jim Lampley... and he closed with a statement regarding the increasing use of PEDs. It's a real issue, and as humorously posted with a picture a few posts back.... it won't go away even if we bury our heads in the sand.

I think your boy Tito punching guys with his "cinder-block" hand wraps was more dangerous than any PED you could take.

See I only have to quote this ^^^^^^ because what follows matters not. One of the biggest urban legends of all time as a premise FFS. Inferring that Tito is some Resto or Margarito. Tito's wraps were signed off 39 times prior to Hopkins and it was a complaint about wrap direction not cement inserts u idiot.

[Beanflicker]

Geeez... enough with the money excuse already. There's plenty of money in boxing. Set aside an appropriate amount for testing. If not, then let's watch the sport continue to suffer from increased PED use until a high profile fighter gets killed or brain damaged. Then... the calls to ban boxing or clean it up will be ringing off the rafters and something will have to be done. Better now than to wait until that happens.

It's not an excuse, it's a serious question that needs a serious, logical answer. There's a lot of moving parts to this machine.

Saying "MAKE THE PROMOTERS PAY THEY'RE RICH WHO CARES" is not a logical plan. Yeah there's a lot of money in boxing, but who's pocket is it coming out of?

And the brain damage thing... fighters have been getting brain damaged and killed since boxing has been around! You don't need steroids to kill/brain damage a guy in the ring, that's been proven time and time again over the last 100 years. Again, that's something you can't quantify.

The theory has always been that punchers are born, not made. For instance, Stefan Bonner was juiced to the gills in his UFC fight against Anderson Silva, and at one point Anderson dropped his hands and let Stefan hit him with flush punches to the face with no effect. Steroids aren't turning Sven Ottke into Julian Jackson, that's just rediculous.