NO boxer tested positive for drug use in the Kiran Boxing Promotions program last month in Nadi, says Boxing Commission of Fiji chairman Dr Subhash Appana.
Dr Appana said a total of 10 boxers were selected for the drug test and four were randomly picked in line with the historic announcement by Kiran Boxing Promotions that drug testing would be conducted randomly on boxers signed to appear in the program which took place at Prince Charles Park on November 30.
However, all boxers who appeared for the title fights that included Jese Ravudi, Mulomulo Boxing Club’s Ronald Naidu, Korolevu resident James Sigh, Narata native Jonasa Kavika, Sebastian Singh and Aussie boxer Humzah Khalid had to undergo the mandatory drug testing as earlier revealed by promoter and former boxer Ben Krishna.
“Our aim is to ensure that the sport of boxing is totally drug-free. We have only heard of rumours that drugs especially marijuana was suspected of being used by some boxers previously although there was no concrete evidence to substantiate the allegations,” Dr Appana said.
The chairman also widely regarded as the ‘encyclopedia’ of boxing in the country added the board had set out stringent guidelines and policies in regards to the alleged use of drugs in the sport.
“So when we came on board, we instituted the drug tests in our first program which was held on the 26th of October which perhaps was a ‘wake-up’ call for not only the boxers but the boxing fraternity in general.
“This was followed up in our program on the 30th of November.
“Now we are adamant at making this mandatory in every boxing program.”
Subhash was elated to reveal the positive feedback from people associated with the sport.
“Former boxers, trainers and fight officials that I spoke to encouraged me to ensure that boxing remains drug-free.
“We will definitely take this issue to newer heights next year. In fact, both the World Boxing Foundation and the International Boxing Organisation officials have written to me and expressed delight at the fact that we have instituted drug testing in Fiji boxing,” he said.
Dr Appana humbly pleaded with all the boxers to work together for the betterment of the sport and to keep Fiji boxing drug-free, and added that stringent disciplinary measures would be undertaken by the Commission’s disciplinary tribunal with penalties meted out like indefinite suspension or suspension for a period of time should the results prove positive.
The drug testing was conducted via the boxer’s urine samples collected after the conclusion of respective bouts.
The establishment of the Boxing Commission of Fiji is to regulate and control professional and amateur boxing in the country and its related matters.
