Tony Bellew Rages About Illegal Drug Use in Boxing
By Terence Dooley
The news that Australia's Lucas Browne failed a drugs test following his WBA World heavyweight title win over Ruslan Chagaev in Russia has kicked up the drugs in boxing debate once again, and Liverpool’s Tony Bellew (26-2-1, 16 KOs) has waded into the fray by arguing that it is still a major problem within the sport.
Although Browne has vehemently protested his innocence, his career is in tatters until he can prove it beyond any reasonable doubt. Bellew has told City A.M. that any fighter that uses PEDs is posing a threat to the lives of their opponents.
“I do think there is a major problem with professional boxing and drugs,” stated Bellew. “It's sad to say that but it's a matter of fact. I find it so distressing and worrying.”
He added: “If someone has taken steroids for months in the build-up to a fight, that advantage they have is going to be huge. There's lives at risk, at the end of the day; it's a fight. I'm not saying it's ok to take drugs if you're a 100m runner, but ultimately there are no lives at stake in a 100m race. There are lives at stake in a boxing ring and that's what makes it so alarming.
“People need to be made an example of. If you've been taking performance-enhancing drugs I suggest nothing less than a lifetime ban. Is it going to have to be that somebody dies in a boxing ring at the hands of a steroid user for this to happen? It's going to be too late then.”
Bellew meets South Africa's Ilunga Makabu for the interim WBC 200lb belt next. They are currently engaged in talks with the owners of Goodison Park, home of his beloved Everton F.C., so a date and venue should be announced soon.
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