WBC Drops 25 Boxers From Rankings As New Drug Program Is Implemented
As the sport of boxing is trying to get rid of drugs in the sport, the World Boxing Council completed the implementation of a new program earlier in the week and more than two dozen boxers were dropped from the WBC's rankings for not enrolling in the program.
The Clean Boxing Program involved having all WBC titleholders as well as fighters in the top 15 in all 17 weight classes be subject to random blood and/or urine testing at any point in the year.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said that implementing the new program carried some problems, especially with dealing with foreign boxers, but overall is pleased with the early results.
"The work to get this program started has been monumental, and the WBC wishes to thank all those WBC members, promoters, managers and many others who have actively worked to enroll all fighters," Sulaiman said. "There have been some problems, mostly with translation and language barriers, and there will certainly be adjustments during the process. There will be additional adjustments, and this will be an evolving program, with the goal to provide as much protection to our athletes worldwide."
The original deadline to enroll in the program was back in September, but it was extended to October 11. Below are the boxers that had been dropped from the rankings.
- David Haye
- Jean Pascal
- Vanes Martirosyan
- Amir Khan
- Lamont Peterson
- Yuriorkis Gamboa
- Felix Verdejo
- Jose Uzcategui
- Gabriel Rosado
- Daquan Arnett
- Rances Barthelemy
- Emiliano Marsili
- Hank Lundy
- Hairon Socarras
- Cesar Juarez
- Emanuel Navarrete
- Gideon Buthelezi
- Brian Viloria
- Moises Calleros
- Javier Mendoza
- Angel Acosta
- Janiel Rivera
- Carlos Buitrago
- Simphiwe Khonco
