Nevada Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer announced that the Commission has expanded steroid and drug testing for licensed fighters and those applying for licenses.  In addition to the testing performed on contestants on fight night, the Commission will require licensed fighters and licensing applicants to be tested at other times during the year.  In a memo issued earlier this month, Chairman John Bailey noted that some fighters “…have become very sophisticated in the timing of taking prohibited substances,” which is why the Commission has instituted additional random tests.

“Random testing throughout the year will further deter any fighters considering taking non-approved substances,” said Executive Director Kizer.  “The additional testing, which will be paid for by the Commission, will help us keep the sport of unarmed combat safe and fair for all fighters.”

Selection for testing will be made in one of three ways.  Fighters may be randomly chosen for testing.  Or, if there is some indication that a fighter is taking a non-approved substance, they may be tested.  Lastly, if a fighter has previously tested positive for using a non-approved substance, they may be tested. 

A fighter chosen for testing will be contacted by the Commission directly and given details on the ordering of the test and the timeframe within which testing must occur.  Efforts will also be made to contact the fighter’s promoter with that information.  If the test is not completed within the designated timeframe or if a fighter fails the test, the Commission may refuse to license the fighter, it may not allow the fighter to compete, and/or the fighter may be subject to disciplinary action.

For more information, visit the Nevada Athletic Commission website at http://boxing.nv.gov/.