Floyd Mayweather drug testing history controversy

A MYSTERIOUS IV injection received by Floyd Mayweather Jr. the day before his megabout victory over Manny Pacquiao in May has raised questions about the controversial boxing superstar’s body chemistry and a conceivably cozy relationship with the drug-screening agency he employs.
An investigation published this week by SB Nation explores in depth the ties between Mayweather’s camp and the United States Anti-Doping Agency, a not-for-profit corporation that is contracted for a fee to perform drug-testing services (including $10 million in annual funding from the federal government).
The most damning anecdote is this: After the weigh-in the day prior to the May 2 bout in Las Vegas, Mayweather was observed by USADA testers receiving two banned IV treatments of saline and vitamins totalling 750 millilitres of fluid, equivalent to 16 per cent of the body’s blood content — a fairly thorough flush of the system. (The concern, among anti-doping watchdogs, is IVs can dilute or mask the presence of other substances.)
Mayweather’s medical team told agents the IV was administered to address dehydration concerns, though that was not documented.
Because intravenous infusions are prohibited under the “Prohibited Substances and Methods List” of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which sets the standards USADA says it follows, Mayweather had to be granted a therapeutic use exemption — and he was, 19 days after the fact.
While USADA chose not to notify the Nevada State Athletic Commission about the IV, Mayweather waited until May 19 to apply for the exemption, it was granted May 20, then relayed to the commission and Pacquiao’s promoters on May 21.