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Hot Topic: Performance-enhancing Drugs

posted by mightygloves.com on January 22, 2010, in Punch Lines By Judi Abate

By Judi Abate
Boxing Diva

The alleged use of PEDS in the sport of boxing is hardly a new revelation-sorry to say it, but has been thrust into the limelight in regard to the Mayweather-Pacquiao fiasco. Everyone it seems has an opinion on what role and influence PEDS presents to our cherished sport. The 2 most popular opinions presently circulating the boxing scene are:"It's being done so let everyone do it" versus "It's cheating-plain and simple." With these theories in mind, I have decided to lace up the boxing gloves, put on a chest protector and headgear. Now let's climb into the ring and spar a few rounds with the speculation and the confusion surrounding the issue of PEDS. In this way the reader can draw their own educated conclusions on this hot topic. My personal theory is if we don't acknowledge the problem of PEDS then we
can't fix it.

WHAT THEY ARE? In popular culture ,the term PED usually refers to "ananbolic steroids",or precursors(Andro and DHEA) and HGH.
According to the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 which defines anabolic steroids as, "Any drug/hormonal substance including prohormones related to testosterone that promotes muscle growth." Ananbolic-androgenic steroids help the body turn dietary protein into muscle. Anabolic steroids can go by the street names: arnold's, gym candy,roids,pumpers and juice. According to the DEA there are currently 100 different types of anabolic steroids that have been developed. They are extremely dangerous and being a boxing purist I regard them as CHEATING.

WHAT THEY ARE NOT? They are not legal nor are they logical ( Why do you think they call it "doping"?) healthy,or risk-free.

WHY THEY ARE BAD? The consequences and they are numerous out weigh any potential muscle mass and strength gain. Some of the side effects often stated to the athletes taking the PEDS but often ignored are: liver damage, high blood pressure, kidney disease,heart problems,blood clots, hypertension, depression,mania,roid rage and also sex-specific side effects ( shrunken testicles, man boobies, premature balding.)

WHY TAKE THEM? Basically, PEDS are taken to build mass and strength of muscles. They also allow an athlete to train harder and longer which increases performance levels. Athletes take them because they work; and that simple fact is why PEDS are a problem in today's sports. It seems more and more athletes do not believe in the old adage, "No pain,no gain" anymore. A quick fix is the new solution.

WHO USES THEM? The most common users have been pro athletes from a variety of sports however PEDS are also used by the non-athlete for cosmetic purposes. Which are the 3 B's- brawny,bulky, and beautiful. The age range for steroid use is stated by the US Drug Enforcement Administration to late high school age and continues through out the early and late 20's. It has been suggested that between 1 million and 3 million people have misused PEDS in the United States.

HOW TO STOP THE MADNESS? You might believe this would be the most difficult issue with PEDS but actually it is the simplest. In order to not to deal with stopping, just don't start. If you have started, then just stop. Athletes can find alternatives to PEDS by the use of proper nutrition, exercise and hard work.

The bottom line is all athletes have the knowledge of right and wrong. So one simple solution appears to be PEDS=Wrong and Hard Work, Sacrifice, and Dedication=Right.

FYI- Juiceheads are not whatsoever attractive to the Boxing Diva. I like my boxers Clean, Mean, Punching Machines.

PS- A special shout out to Dr. Pietro Baio for his medical imput on this subect.

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