Boxing: Boxing Needs Help Fighting Drugs

Roy Jones' positive test for anabolic steroids and the subsequent muted reaction in the media proves two things.

One, just how laughably inadequate the drug testing procedures across the Atlantic are.

And two, how much easier it is to forgive a positive test if it comes from the urine of a global superstar.

It was revealed this week that Jones - now the WBA heavyweight champion - and his opponent Richard Hall both tested positive for a banned steroid prior to their WBC, WBA and IBF light-heavyweight title clash in Indianapolis.

Two years later, Fernando Vargas tested positive for exactly the same steroid after his fight with Oscar De La Hoya. Vargas' misfortune was that he submitted a positive test in Nevada - one of the few states which does have a harsh law on drugs - and Vargas was suspended for a year.

Jones' trainers initially denied he had taken steroids when the story broke. But later Jones admitted in a statement that he had bought an over-the-counter nasal decongestant called "Ripped Fuel" which contained elements of the banned steroid.

This highlights once again how important it is for the United States senate approves of a national federal body to oversee rules and regulations for the sport nationwide.

Until then the sport will continue to slowly drown in its own murky cesspool instead of grasping for all the help it can get.