When did steroids become a problem in boxing?

Alot of people seem to think drugs are a big problem in boxing but this has only cme to attention recently. People blame inadequate testing methods and boxers who will do anything to cheat for an advantage. But when do these people think steroids began to be a problem in boxing? Nobody accused great fighters like Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, Hagler or Sugar Ray Leonard of using steroids so is this only a recent problem?

Anabolic steroids were first isolated, identified, and synthesized in the 1930's so I reckon it started then.

There is no way Tony Galento could be 235lbs at 5 foot 9 inches without juicing. He floored Joe Louis as well. Cheat.

Around about the time Sky was established.

The Boss wrote:Around about the time Sky was established.

Are you suggesting steroids are a sky hype job?

I believe so, sean. At least that's what my sources say.

I think Lennox Lewis took steriods. There I said it.

Disclaimer - we are mocking Gordy so please don't sue tino - we don't want his wife back on the market.

ShahenshahG wrote:Disclaimer - we are mocking Gordy so please don't sue tino - we don't want his wife back on the market.

Yeah, I meant to say that I have no evidence for that. I just think he did.

I certainly wouldn't pay for her, shah.

Must have been after the 2 KO's.

Is it such a massive problem though? Surely some of the elite must be thinking of their reputations. It might not be a big punishment but that can taint a whole career.

ShahenshahG wrote:Is it such a massive problem though? Surely some of the elite must be thinking of their reputations. It might not be a big punishment but that can taint a whole career.

You would like to think that, trouble is if you think the opposition is gaining an unfair advantage some will be tempted to level the playing field and do the same. There are so many different aspects as to how/why athletes would take performance enhancements that I think we could fill an entire thread on it. Will be gutted if Mayweather is found cheating as he has been the one banging the drum for all this testing, perhaps it is his way to deflect any suspicion off himself.

Gordy wrote:Alot of people seem to think drugs are a big problem in boxing but this has only cme to attention recently. People blame inadequate testing methods and boxers who will do anything to cheat for an advantage. But when do these people think steroids began to be a problem in boxing? Nobody accused great fighters like Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, Hagler or Sugar Ray Leonard of using steroids so is this only a recent problem?

They became a problem when boxers took them. We can't say for sure who took them and when, we can only go by recent allegations.

Silly thread.

Hearns accused Leonard of taking them before their second fight!!

Overlooked that one Gordy....

When they appeared in the public domain. Ignorance is bliss and all

Mind the windows Tino. wrote:Anabolic steroids were first isolated, identified, and synthesized in the 1930's so I reckon it started then.

There is no way Tony Galento could be 235lbs at 5 foot 9 inches without juicing. He floored Joe Louis as well. Cheat.

Only recently seen footage of 'TWO TON' on a espn classic mini documentarie on Joe Louis. The guy was a beast with decent skill and very good power.

Looking at his physique it looks like a product of Italian American cooking. Pasta (carbs that never got burned off) and meatballs (high protein and high fat).