By Jake Donovan

The September 17 super welterweight title fight between unbeaten defending beltholder Liam Smith and former two-division champ Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez will no longer carry VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) random drug testing.

The reason, however, is barely a ripple in the proverbial pond and no cause for alarm.

Both boxers agreed to such testing prior to signing on for their HBO Pay-Per-View headliner, which takes place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. However, the timing of the starting point, combined with other concerns, resulted in the idea being scrapped in recent days.

“We tried to start the program; unfortunately, it was late,” Eric Gomez, vice president of Golden Boy Promotions explained to krikya360.com on Sunday. “There wasn't enough time to get the full benefit of VADA testing.”

According to separate links on VADA’s website, the indication is that it was Smith (23-0-1, 13KOs) who formally withdrew from the program three weeks out from the third defense of the title he claimed last October. The 28-year old will fight for the first time in the United States and is a considerable underdog versus Alvarez (47-1-1, 32KOs), who has held championships at 154 and 160 lbs., but opted to drop back down for a second attempted title run at the lower weight.

Sources from both boxer’s camps have informed krikya360.com that the change in plans has nothing to do with either athlete testing positive for any banned substance, which would result in being removed from the program.

Officials from VADA declined comment on testing conducted thus far.

There were also rumors of Smith being concerned with the process, in light of the recent scandal surrounding World heavyweight champion and countryman Tyson Fury. The unbeaten Brit is currently duking it out with UKAD over the suggestion of having tested positive for a banned substance prior to his title-winning effort over Wladimir Klitschko last November.

Talks of such paranoia providing the basis for the change in plans was categorically denied by event handlers, who’ve confirmed that testing of some level will still occur for this bout. 

“Really, there’s no story here,” insists Gomez. “This time we will do any and all testing required by Texas and the WBO (World Boxing Organization, whose title Smith owns).”

Alvarez was previously enrolled in VADA while serving as the WBC (World Boxing Council) – and lineal – middleweight champion, as part of the sanctioning body’s Clean Boxing Program. All bouts under the auspices of the WBC now require VADA-run random drug testing.

Such requirements do not (yet) exist within the WBO, although the Puerto Rico-based organization remains a staunch supporter of cleaning up the sport.

Twitter: @JakeNDaBox