Floyd Mayweather Jr.

SB Nation reports that Mayweather took saline and vitamins injections which had been banned under World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines. Although the substances contained in the IV were not banned by WADA, whose standards United States Anti-Doping Agency says it follows, the fact that they were given intravenously was not allowed. WADA rules do not allow intravenous infusions or injections of more than 50 milliliters per six hours “except for those legitimately received in the course of hospital admissions, surgical procedures, or clinical investigations” because they can be used to “dilute or mask the presence of another substance.” Three weeks after the fight Mayweather received exemption from the USADA, however Nevada State Athletic Commission said such an exemption could not be granted, unless by them. USADA statement:

Although Mr. Mayweather’s application was not approved until after his fight with Mr. Pacquiao and all tests results were reported, Mr. Mayweather did disclose the infusion to USADA in advance of the IV being administered to him. Furthermore, once the TUE [therapeutic use exemption] was granted, the NSAC and Mr. Pacquiao were immediately notified even though the practice is not prohibited under NSAC rules.

Mayweather:

Let’s not forget that I was the one six years ago who insisted on elevating the level of drug testing for all my fights. As a result, there is more drug testing and awareness of its importance in the sport of boxing today than ever before. I am very proud to be a clean athlete and will continue to champion the cause.

While Mayweather was given an exemption three weeks after the fight, Pacquiao was denied a request to be injected with the legal painkiller Toradol on fight night to ease pain in his injured rotator cuff, which he had surgery on after the bout. The commission declined Pacquiao’s request because it was not made in a timely manner, and he had not previously disclosed the injury.