Frank Warrens Column

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/boxing/2801011/Start-random-tests-for-HGH.html

I'VE written before about the use of Human Growth Hormone by boxers - a highly relevant topic given the current row between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather.

Their fight has fallen apart because Mayweather wants Pacquiao to undergo the same kind of drug tests that Olympic athletes are subject to, including blood samples.
Pacquiao says he is happy to conform to The Nevada State Athletic Commission's regulation to give urine and three blood samples - two before the fight and one after it - but believes that having too much blood taken shortly before the fight will unfairly weaken him.
Manny has never been caught for doping offences and there is no suggestion whatsoever that he is guilty of any wrongdoing.
But he is suing Mayweather's camp for defamation, saying they alleged he took performance-enhancing drugs.
The use of growth hormone could be an increasing problem within boxing.
There is a strong rumour one British fighter - and his trainer - have been taking it.
HGH, a naturally-occurring substance, adds bulk if taken in excessive amounts and is seen by some idiots as the perfect pill for fighters who want to move quickly into higher weight divisions.
The British Boxing Board of Control get a lot of things right when it comes to protecting the safety and interests of boxers, and I'd like to see fighters randomly tested for HGH.
As for Mayweather-Pacquiao, there have been reports in the last few days that the fight is definitely dead in the water, despite arbitration involving a retired judge.
Don't be surprised if the fight gets resurrected sometime in 2010 though - there's too much money on the table for it not to happen.
However, I do have a feeling Mayweather is using this controversy to avoid Pacquiao.
Talking of Pacquiao, he was the second most-searched-for person on Yahoo last year, just behind Jennifer Lopez.
That's always a good place to be!

AMIR KHAN'S mandatory WBA light-welterweight title defence against Argentinian Marcos Maidana will go to purse bids this week after those involved couldn't come to an agreement.

I HEAR May 31 has been pencilled in for Ricky Hatton's comeback. The Hitman has not fought since losing to Manny Pacquiao last May.

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That is a strong statement to make, I wonder who it could be??