By Mark Vester
According to a recent NY Daily News report by BoxingScene.com's Tim Smith, heavyweight contender Jameel McCline (38-7-3, 23KOs) has become the first boxer linked to the infamous Signature Pharmacy scandal, raided by federal agents in February for it's involvement in a national drug distribution ring.
McCline is set to fight Sam Peter for the WBC interim title tomorrow night at New York's Madison Square Garden. It's being alleged that McCline received more than $12,000 worth of steroids, human growth hormone and related drugs, starting in March 2005 and ending last December. Among the drugs that he received were high-powered steroids like testosterone, Stanozolol, Nandrolone and Tamoxifen. McCline's prescriptions were supplied by Infinity Longevity in Boca Raton, Fla., the same center that also supplied drugs to pro-wrestler Chris Benoit, who earlier this year killed his wife and son before taking his own life.
Scott Hirsch, manager of McCline, told Smith that he doubted that his fighter had used any performance-enhancing drugs.
"I've never heard anything about this. I don't believe it's true," Hirsch said. "It's just so ridiculous. I just can't believe it. It doesn't make sense from what I know about Jameel. He's a clean-living guy. It would really shock me. I don't believe it to be true. This is his fourth world champion fight and he's never tested positive for steroids. He fought in Switzerland for a title fight back in January and he was tested extensively and he was clean."
Initially, many felt the fight with Peter may end up being in jeopardy, due to the scandal, but McCline's clean test record with the New York State Athletic Commission has ensured that the fight will proceed as scheduled.
McCline replaces the injured Oleg Maskaev who pulled out a few weeks ago with a back injury.
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