Donaire Randomly Blood Tested by VADA This Week
by David P. Greisman
Junior featherweight beltholder Nonito Donaire underwent random blood testing earlier this week as part of his agreement to be tested randomly — and year-round — by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.
Donaire posted a photo on Aug. 22 of the samples taken from him, accompanied by a note on Twitter: “They went [to] the gym first [and] since I wasn’t there, they came knocking at my hotel.”
Donaire signed up in June for year-round testing, as compared to others who are just tested when they are scheduled to fight. (Donaire does have a bout scheduled: an Oct. 13 fight in California against Toshiaki Nishioka)
The cost of his year-round testing is being paid for by donations to VADA, according to Dr. Margaret Goodman, president and board chairwoman of the drug-testing agency.
“He is also welcome to contribute to his own testing, as is his promoter,” Goodman told BoxingScene.com. “VADA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and we fully welcome donations to help us invite more athletes to participate.”
Because of the random and unannounced nature of year-round testing, Goodman could not provide a specific number for how often Donaire will be tested.
“The number of times you test is not an issue,” she said. “It is having unannounced random testing for blood and urine, including the right tests, that is the key. In my opinion, if you test someone essentially every week, they know too much about what you are doing — and that removes the point of an unannounced random program.
“Something that separates VADA is that we also follow serum chemistries,” she said. “Too often fighters become dehydrated during training. As a result, they develop abnormal renal and liver function, and may even become anemic. Also, elevated blood counts not only can indicate blood doping, but steroid use, so it is important to check blood during training.
“We try to give fighters an opportunity to stay in tune with their health, which can be compromised during rigorous training — especially while trying to lose weight or make weight.”
David P. Greisman is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow David on Twitter @fightingwords2 or send questions/comments via email at fightingwords1@gmail.com
