Report: VADA Not Handling Drug Testing For Pacquiao vs. Thurman

Drug testing has been a major sticking point in combat sports for years, but the upcoming fight between Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman won’t have the benefit of VADA testing.

A report from Jake Donovan of Boxing Scene stated that the two fighters won’t undergo VADA testing and are only being subject to the testing standards provided by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The fight, for the WBA welterweight title, is scheduled to headline a PBC pay-per-view card on July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Given the fact that the fight is taking place less than a month from now, it is too late at this point to implement a full testing schedule. The report stated that there were original plans to have VADA be involved, but were called off for no clear reason.

The subject of drug testing in boxing came up back in April when it was revealed that heavyweight contender Jarrell Miller failed multiple drug tests administered by VADA. Miller tested positive for GW1516, HGH and EPO, all banned substances, and it resulted in Miller getting denied a boxing license to fight unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on June 1 in New York. VADA is also heavily involved with the WBC as part of the WBC’s Clean Boxing Program, which requires all of its champions and fighters ranked in the governing body’s top 15 (top five for women) to enroll in random drug testing administered by VADA.

As for the rest of the July 20 card, which not only features Pacquiao vs. Thurman, but also a WBC welterweight title eliminator and an IBF super middleweight title bout, it appears that VADA won’t be involved in any way, only standard testing from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.