NSAC Looking For Harsher Punishments In The Future

LAS VEGAS – With the Nevada State Athletic Commission set to resume random drug testing on July 1, the commissioners also hope to soon institute stiffer penalties for those failing screens.

During the NSAC's monthly meeting, held today in Las Vegas, commissioner Pat Lundvall and Francisco Aguilar each discussed the need for increased penalties to offending combatants, particularly in the case of fighters using diuretics.

"We are seeing an increasing amount of these diuretics," Lundvall said. "I think it is getting to be almost a problem.

"I'm trying to figure out a way by which we can ensure that fighters understand that this is something that is prohibited. It is for their own good, and this is not something that can be treated lightly."

The discussion came during the NSAC's disciplinary hearing for Cuban boxer Puro Pairol (5-0-1), who earned a March win over Franky Martinez at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. Following the victory, Pairol provided a urine sample that tested positive for a diuretic known as furosemide.

After hearing the details of the case, commissioner Francisco Aguilar echoed Lundvall's concerns.

"I think going forward, we need to increase the penalties for fighters," Aguilar said. "I think this commission has given them proper notice at this point to say, 'This is not going to be taken lightly anymore. This is a serious issue.'"


Full Article