Lennox Lewis was asked his opinion on the recent six-month rankings ban imposed on Jarrell Miller in the legend’s typical cool style.
The former undisputed heavyweight champion has long been an advocate for clean sport. Lewis was an exemplary example of a top division role model in his day and says all cheats should face sterner punishments.
As it stands, Miller can re-enter the WBA ratings in September and continue his career freely unless something is done by the US boxing commissions.
Airing his view, Lewis is happy more red flags were being raised despite a lack of discipline thereafter.
“Like I said before, there’s no place in boxing for PED’s (performance enhancing drugs),” said Lewis. Until these sentences and penalties become more severe, there will always be someone willing to take that chance to get an edge.
“That said, VADA is getting harder to evade. And they (people who cheat) should know that.”
Despite Lewis pointing out the fact that VADA is catching out those willing to cheat, the punishments need to be far sterner.
Previously, Lewis had stated VADA should be used in a wider capacity as boxers have the capability to use PED’s on the way up until testing becomes mandatory.
“Not all fighters making their way up in the ranks are required to have VADA testing so they may think they can use them to get up to a certain level and then stop,” he said. “But it becomes a mental thing afterward when you strip a man of his edge. (You) Take his cape away and he’s not so bold!
“(But) There’s no place in boxing for PED’s. Simple as that. Those caught cheating should be severely penalized to a point where they would never ever consider it again,” added Lewis.
Upon testing positive for THREE banned substances, Miller came clean. But only after strenuously denials over the first adverse finding.
BIG BABY
“I messed up. There were a lot of ways to handle the situation, I handled it wrong. I’m paying a price for it,” said Miller at the time.
“I messed up a big opportunity. And I’m hurting on the inside. My heart is bleeding right now. I hurt my family, my friends, my team, my supporters.
“But, I’m owning up to it. I’m going to deal with it and I’m going to correct it. I’m going to come back better and I’m humbled by the experience,” he added.
Truth is, Miller may well have fought the positive test as far as he could. If it had not been for two more confirmations against him.
Things must change for the better of the sport before somebody else gets seriously hurt or killed as a direct result of doping.
