The Charlos have taken to social media to answer the criticism over their missed drug tests earlier this month.
Both twins are enrolled in the WBC’s Clean Boxing program, which requires all participants to make their whereabouts known 24/7 for random drug testing on performance enhancing drugs and other illegal substances.
The WBC put out an official update last week naming the Charlos as two of six fighters that missed testing between October 1-November 20.
Jermall Charlo, who is currently the #1 contender for Canelo Alvarez’s WBC middleweight title, clarified on Twitter yesterday that the missed testing was not about deliberate avoidance.
“Missed the Test not Failed you idiots..[sic],” said Jermall. “It’s Random and wbc program or Whoever they are Randomly chose a day we were out of town doing promotional stuff on Fox for the Next fight. Get ya facts straight.”
Dr. Margaret Goodman, the president of VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency) and the testing administrator on behalf of the WBC, explained the responsibility fighters have to prevent missed tests and the consequences.
“It is important for the WBC to clarify that both Charlos have been tested in the past and that the infraction they are facing is a missed test, which has been acknowledged and they will be responsible to pay the corresponding fine,” said Goodman in a statement. “It is important, however, to clarify that they have not tested positive for any substance whatsoever.
“This is why it is extremely urgent for all boxers to enroll in the CBP and to update at all times their residence and training location to VADA, which is the agency administrating the CBP for the WBC.
“It is very simple, if you are chosen for testing and are not available for the collector to test you, you will be incurring a missed test penalty.”
The Charlos will headline their first Fox card from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on December 22. Jermell defends his WBC super welterweight title against Tony Harrison, and Jermall takes on former middleweight title challenger Willie Monroe in the main event.
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The Charlos are learning that being the “A-Side” isn’t just about getting the…ahem…lion’s share (no pun intended) of the purse and all the media attention. It’s also about being the leader of the promotion in all facets. The drug testing would fall under the business of showing your opponent, fellow peers on the card, and media that you’re a clean athlete.
The statement by Jermall tried to put the onus on the drug testing program, essentially trying to argue that they came at the “wrong time” and even worse, that media obligations and fight promotion takes precedence over establishing that you’re not a drug cheat.
No, this is not how it works if you intend on becoming a star in this sport. Canelo Alvarez wasn’t exempt from being roundly criticized for his positive test and had to take full responsibility for the fallout. The Charlos, although on a much smaller scale, failed to do the same for their mistake.
For now, we can chalk it up to the growing pains as their spotlight becomes bigger. But it is a mistake that should not ever happen again.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 