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That's a silly question...Of course not. Xylocaine is a pain killer, not a PED, and its legal in boxing if used correctly.Last edited by BoxerDood; 04-14-2010, 07:01 PM. -
The painkiller, Xylocaine, sometimes used by fighters to numb their hands against the pain of constant punching, is not on the United States Anti Doping Agency's list of prohibited substances, according to a top official with that organization.
"It's a common local anesthesia, and it's not prohibited," said Travis Tygart, chief executive of the USADA. "It's perfectly allowable to take under the World Anti-Doping Agency's program."
Tygart's organization has been brought in to administer Olympic style, random drug testing for both blood and for urine for the May 1 clash betgween 38-year-old WBA welterweight (147 pounds) titlist Shane Mosley (46-5, 39 knockouts) and 33-year-old challenger Floyd Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs) that is slated for the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
"If either one of these fighters tests positive in our tests prior to the fight, the fight will be off," said Tygart, "and that will be announced, and everybody will know."
Mayweather has reportedly used Xylocaine in the past for brittle knuckles, but apparently has not used it for years. That situation has been remedied by hand-wrapping guru, Rafael Garcia, who was known for his work with "The Hands Of Stone," Roberto Duran.
Garcia joined Mayweather's camp not long after 2002, when the figher often complained of weak tendons.
Also known as Lidocaine, Xylocaine is not listed as being illegal by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, but the NSAC ruled that it was not going to allow Mayweather to use it prior to his December, 2007, knockout of Ricky Hatton at the MGM.
Tygart said that Mayweather and Mosley have been tested by officials assigned to administer the procedures. Last week, Mosley told FanHouse that he already had been tested twice.
"Their reactions to the process has been outstanding, even though there are some mild inconviences to it," said Tygart. "But those mild inconveniences are well worth the upside of having confidence that you're going to go into a fight where it's going to be based on your athletic ability and nothing else and not what somebody is being able to do covertly from their chemist or their drug dealer."
Tygart said that Mayweather and Mosley were briefed, early on, concerning what over-the-counter medications can lead to "dirty" or positive results.
In addition, the fighters were asked about, and, advised concerning what current medications they may or may not be taking that could do the same.
"That's part of the education we had for them was to say, 'Look, tell us all of the medication that you're taking currently for ailments, and we'll make sure that those are fine. And we'll get you permission to use those," said Tygart.
"What's critically important is having clear rules and a system in place to enforce those rules. Any legitimate medication that someone can take, whether it's for asthma, like the enhalers, that are perscribed, those are perfect allowable if you have the right conditions to use them and you've been given advance notice of that," said Tygart.
Tygart said that the fighters "have internet access and a toll free number that is manned by a pharmacist basically 24-7, so there is no excuse."
"If you get sick, or you have a stomach cramp, or whatever it might be, here's the 800 number and just have have somebody call us or you call us and find out if it's something you can take or not. And here's the list of everything that's not allowed," said Tygart.
"At the end of the day, all athletes, including these two, have access to real-time information as to whether I can take this over the counter nasal spray or over the counter cold medicine," said Tygart, "and they have a responsibility of finding that out before they take it."Comment
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What is the official word on Xylocaine? Is it illegal in the United States? Is it banned by boxing or any of the State Athletic Commissions? Why does Floyd Mayweather take it? After contacting the appropriate authoritative en******, I have the answers to these questions and more.
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Lenny Brown Sacramento, CA “Is Xylocaine approved by the FDA?”
I spoke today with a representative from the FDA via their Drug Information line. I asked them if Xylocaine was illegal or banned in this country. The representative said there are no bans on this drug. The representative also said that there would be no reason for individual states to make this drug illegal especially if its FDA approved. However, if this drug is administered by an I.V. or through injections then it must be done under the direct supervision of a licensed medical professional.
FDA.gov
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
One of the world’s leading authorities on anti-doping, WADA is the primary source for which drugs are banned in sports or athletic competitions worldwide. According to WADA, via GlobalDRO.com, “None of the ingredients in this brand (Xylocaine) are currently included on the WADA Prohibited List”. This means that Xylocaine is not banned by WADA.
WADA
US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA)
Mandy Craig Sacramento, CA “Does the USADA ban Xylocaine?”
The USADA has a Drug Reference line where you can contact them via telephone and specifically ask them about any drug. When I called them yesterday, I spoke directly with their telephone doctor of the day. First, I must say that it was very informative being able to talk to a USADA doctor about this drug and the potential side effects. Anyhow, the doctor said that Xylocaine is legal for boxers to take via injection into the hands. He also said that individual state athletic commissions might have additional stipulations.
USADA.org
Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC)
In a conversation that I had with Keith Kizer, about the use of Xylocaine in the state of Nevada, Keith said that because “It is not a prohibited substance under WADA or USADA”; it’s not banned by the State Athletic Commission. However, Keith Kizer noted that the commission has added some stipulations to the use of Xylocaine.
“We don’t want fighters to use it on fight day. We make sure they have full physicals to check for this. They will be told to stop doing this from the weigh-in through the fight. Fighters must only take Tylenol or ice for any pain.”
NSAC
Conclusion
As of February 17th 2010, Xylocaine is not banned according to the FDA, USADA, WADA, and the NSAC. In fact, I can’t find any other State Athletic Commission that bans it either. So, Floyd Mayweather’s use of this drug for his hands is not illegal. And, as long as he doesn’t use it from the weigh-in through fight day, then he won’t get into any trouble. However, this doesn’t mean that this drug is still safe or something that the general public should just go out and acquire.
Xylocaine, in most methods of usage, needs to be supervised by a licensed medical professional due to potential serious side effects like an abnormal heartbeat. In addition to potential side effects, there are also some long-term effects like dementia that could be experienced.
Regardless of the side effects and the legal use of this drug, it still remains debated whether this drug gives Floyd an advantage or not. It’s clear that there would be an advantage on fight day if he couldn’t experience any pain in his brittle hands but is this drug a real advantage during training?
According to BlueCross/Blue Shield – “Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) are prescription medications, like anabolic steroids and stimulants, as well as sports supplements and growth hormones that some athletes take to improve their energy, stamina and power while training or competing.”
According to The Mayo Clinic – “Performance-enhancing drugs and supplements are used to boost athletic performance, ward off fatigue and enhance physical appearance. They're also taken to increase muscle mass and strength.”
Xylocaine might be legal but it remains highly controversial. Does the legal allowance of this drug override the performance enhancements that this drug provides?
Although, I think this drug is controversial and a PED, the very fact that it's still legal, according to those who I spoke with, makes me wrong for previously thinking it was illegal. I was misinformed, like a lot of people, when we were told that this drug was illegal. I was wrong, and unlike Floyd Mayweather, I'm not afraid to admit when I'm wrong. If I'm going to hold others accountable then I have to hold myself accountable too. However, If anyone has any other evidence that this drug is banned in "49" states, then please contact me so I can verify it and check with the proper authorities.Comment
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Pinoy
When used as a verb, "to pinoy" means to whine incessantly about inconsequential matters. The fullest extent of pinoying includes starting boycotts, sending letters to corporate executives, creating Facebook hate pages, and even filing frivolous lawsuits.
Examples of 'Pinoying' include demanding four different apologies from Adam Carolla for a joke, or sending protest letters to AT&T to boycott Floyd Mayweather.
Ex 1) My burrito was a tad cold, so I'm going to 'pinoy' the hell out of Taco Bell until they mail me 89 cents.
Ex2) Did you hear that CBS Radio was pinoyed over that drug-testing joke?
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Didn't they already say it isn't even on their ban list? Kinda weird but thats what they supposely said.Comment
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