Devin Haney’s Lawsuit Could Revolutionize Anti-Doping Practices
Polarizing figure and two-division champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (31-0, 15 KO’s) has stirred up controversy by leveling a new lawsuit at Ryan Garcia. The outcome of this litigation may have very long-lasting and drastic effects on the overall sport. Roughly fifteen years ago, another polarizing figure by the name of Floyd Mayweather Jr. caused a similar ruckus when demanding that Manny Pacquiao submit to Olympic style blood testing. Oddly enough, The Dream’s current lawsuit could complete a shift set in motion by Mayweather way back then.
In mirroring circumstances, Mayweather divided the masses when he delayed the Pacquiao mega-fight by seeking more stringent testing. Yet, in the aftermath, testing has become commonplace with organizations such as WADA and VADA becoming household names. Unfortunately, boxers being flagged for all manner of banned substances has also become a staple. This grim reality has undoubtedly proven that there is a problem with athletes doping in the sport. The trouble is nothing has been done to significantly deter fighters from using PED’s.
Even the WBC, who have forged their own self-made Clean Boxing Program, have at times chosen to turn a blind eye toward failed drug tests. Such was the case with Oscar Valdez and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. In fact, when Alvarez was busted, the WBC raised their standard of violation to make it harder, not easier, to be flagged. Valdez was allowed to defend his title unscathe – which brings the conversation back full circle to Devin Haney.
BALLAD OF THE SILVER TONGUES
Provided that Devin Haney wins the lawsuit, or pressures Garcia into a substantial out-of-court settlement, this tactic could forever provide new trepidation for potential dopers. Since it’s obvious no official body possessing sufficient power or influence within the sport will act, Haney may be placing the power back in the fighters’ hands. By personally taking boxers officially flagged for PED’s to court, dirty competitors will now have to contend with the possible horrific financial repercussions.
Naturally, boxers such as Canelo could be pressed for damages, but fighters on the elite level typically have long money to cushion the blow. Yet fighters on the way up and those not well established at all could be financially devastated by a strong, successful lawsuit. Said to say, there is no level of the sport that couldn’t be heavily affected if Haney wins and establishes this new protocol.
Now that their rivalry has traveled from the amateurs to the professional level and now the legal system, this latest battle may be one for the history books. So, let’s see if Haney can finally attach a fear-inducing penalty to the rampant problem that Floyd Mayweather exposed the better part of twenty years ago.
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