Eddie Hearn has praised the current drug testing programs in boxing after addressing a recent jibe by Joseph Parker about opponent Anthony Joshua.
Parker, who meets Joshua for the unified world heavyweight titles on March 31, labelled the Londoner ‘The King of Steroids’ on the back of a clash being agreed.
After what was seen to be a low blow, Parker was warned by his promoter to ease off on any drugs talks regarding the top division king, which was addressed by Hearn this weekend.
“The main problem, I feel, is in other countries but Britain is doing well. We have the UKAD random testing. It means Joshua was tested six times in the build-up to his last camp. Other fighters are getting knocks on the door at 3am for testing,” Hearn told The Independent.
“I really believe it’s a problem that’s being solved. Where we are now compared to two or three years ago is night and day,” he added.
Hearn stated the UK have it better than most, although believes it’s just a matter of time before the rest of the world catches up.
TESTING
“In America, or other countries, there is no testing at all other than around the event, although that is changing,” said the Matchroom boss.
The 200 pound plus weight class suffers the most test failures of any division by some margin, having seen the likes of Alexander Povetkin, Luis Ortiz and Shannon Briggs testing positive of late.
All three are now back in contention for a title shot, potentially at Joshua in the next twelve to eighteen months, due to what is seen as a slack policy adopted by those handing out the punishments.
A six-month ban is close to the gap a top heavyweight has between fights anyway, so until something sterner is laid down as punishment, the problem will continue to hound the sport.
