Authorities act on Tete’s calls for dope testing
Zolani Tete’s call for random doping tests to be intensified in the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) has sparked authorities to action with both his international promoters and series organisers allaying any fears of a slipup.
Tete made a passionate plea to Daily Dispatch that random doping tests should be consistently conducted to flush out potential cheaters in the series.
The Mdantsane boxer has been matched against Russian Mikhail Aloyan in the first round of the series in the bantamweight division.
The fight is scheduled to take place in Russia on October 13.
Aloyan has a history of failed dope tests dating back to when he campaigned in the amateur ranks. While Tete didn’t specifically accuse the Russian of being a cheat, he suspected the high stakes in the series may tempt other participants to use unconventional means to gain an upperhand.
And on seeing the call, Comoso AG, which owns the series, hastily met with Voluntarily Anti-Doping Association (Vada) to send documents to all the participants, declaring their readiness for random tests.
“Yes we received forms from Vada asking us to declare our location so that we avail ourselves to random tests,” Tete’s manager Mla Tengimfene said.
Tete is deep in camp preparing for the fight in an undisclosed spot in East London.
Tete’s promoter Frank Warren also assured Tete he would keep a close eye on the proceedings. “Frank called us to allay any fears that we might have of doping cheats in the series,” Tengimfene confirmed, thanking the Dispatch for the awareness.
The Tete-Aloyan clash is one of four clashes, with three others involving Filipino veteran Nonito Donaire against Ryan Burnett of Northern Ireland, Immanuel Rodriguez pitted against Jason Moloney and Naoya Inoue taking on Juan Carlos Payano.
The winner will walk away with the Muhammad Ali Trophy.