According to former super middleweight world champion James DeGale, performance enhancing drugs is still very widespread in the sport of boxing.
Over the last few years, countless fighters have been wrapped up in drug testing scandals - including big names like Canelo Alvarez, Luis Ortiz, Alexander Povetkin and Tyson Fury.
DeGale is currently working hard in camp for a scheduled showdown with rival Chris Eubank Jr., which takes place on February 23 at the O2 Arena in London.
During a recent interview, DeGale explained that he's got personal knowledge that numerous boxers have been cutting corners by using performance enhancers.
And he's been getting a lot of information regarding rampant PED use, from former two division world champion Paulie Malignaggi - who is never shy when it comes to voicing his suspicions when it comes to a boxer potentially doping.
"Believe it or not, performance enhancing drugs is rife in the sport," DeGale told TalkSport.
"There’s so many people over the last couple of years that have been done. Trust me, it’s rife in America, in America it’s mad, it’s crazy. I speak to Paulie Malignaggi, he’s part of my team now. When I sit down and speak to him it’s mind-boggling, some of the stuff he knows, some of the stuff he tells you and some of the stories he knows. It’s so interesting."
While some boxers have faced heavy fines and lengthy suspensions, there are several fighters who believe a confirmed doper should be banned for life - and DeGale agrees with that position.
"You should be banned for life,’ DeGale said. "If you get found out, you should be banned for life. It’s dangerous man, boxing’s a dangerous sport already. ‘So when you’re putting stuff in your body that’s making you stronger, more powerful, hit harder, train harder, it’s crazy stuff."
