Rick Rockwell
Sacramento Fight Sports Examiner
February 17, 2010
What is the official word on Xylocaine? Is it illegal in the United States? Is it banned by boxing or any of the State Athletic Commissions? Why does Floyd Mayweather take it? After contacting the appropriate authoritative en******, I have the answers to these questions and more.
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Lenny Brown Sacramento, CA “Is Xylocaine approved by the FDA?”
I spoke today with a representative from the FDA via their Drug Information line. I asked them if Xylocaine was illegal or banned in this country. The representative said there are no bans on this drug. The representative also said that there would be no reason for individual states to make this drug illegal especially if its FDA approved. However, if this drug is administered by an I.V. or through injections then it must be done under the direct supervision of a licensed medical professional.
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
One of the world’s leading authorities on anti-doping, WADA is the primary source for which drugs are banned in sports or athletic competitions worldwide. According to WADA, via GlobalDRO.com, “None of the ingredients in this brand (Xylocaine) are currently included on the WADA Prohibited List”. This means that Xylocaine is not banned by WADA.
US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA)
Mandy Craig Sacramento, CA “Does the USADA ban Xylocaine?”
The USADA has a Drug Reference line where you can contact them via telephone and specifically ask them about any drug. When I called them yesterday, I spoke directly with their telephone doctor of the day. First, I must say that it was very informative being able to talk to a USADA doctor about this drug and the potential side effects. Anyhow, the doctor said that Xylocaine is legal for boxers to take via injection into the hands. He also said that individual state athletic commissions might have additional stipulations.
Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC)
In a conversation that I had with Keith Kizer, about the use of Xylocaine in the state of Nevada, Keith said that because “It is not a prohibited substance under WADA or USADA”; it’s not banned by the State Athletic Commission. However, Keith Kizer noted that the commission has added some stipulations to the use of Xylocaine.
“We don’t want fighters to use it on fight day. We make sure they have full physicals to check for this. They will be told to stop doing this from the weigh-in through the fight. Fighters must only take Tylenol or ice for any pain.”
Conclusion
As of February 17th 2010, Xylocaine is not banned according to the FDA, USADA, WADA, and the NSAC. In fact, I can’t find any other State Athletic Commission that bans it either. So, Floyd Mayweather’s use of this drug for his hands is not illegal. And, as long as he doesn’t use it from the weigh-in through fight day, then he won’t get into any trouble. However, this doesn’t mean that this drug is still safe or something that the general public should just go out and acquire.
Xylocaine, in most methods of usage, needs to be supervised by a licensed medical professional due to potential serious side effects like an abnormal heartbeat. In addition to potential side effects, there are also some long-term effects like dementia that could be experienced.
Regardless of the side effects and the legal use of this drug, it still remains debated whether this drug gives Floyd an advantage or not. It’s clear that there would be an advantage on fight day if he couldn’t experience any pain in his brittle hands but is this drug a real advantage during training?
According to BlueCross/Blue Shield – “Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) are prescription medications, like anabolic steroids and stimulants, as well as sports supplements and growth hormones that some athletes take to improve their energy, stamina and power while training or competing.”
According to The Mayo Clinic – “Performance-enhancing drugs and supplements are used to boost athletic performance, ward off fatigue and enhance physical appearance. They're also taken to increase muscle mass and strength.”
Xylocaine might be legal but it remains highly controversial. Does the legal allowance of this drug override the performance enhancements that this drug provides?
Although, I think this drug is controversial and a PED, the very fact that it's still legal, according to those who I spoke with, makes me wrong for previously thinking it was illegal. I was misinformed, like a lot of people, when we were told that this drug was illegal. I was wrong, and unlike Floyd Mayweather, I'm not afraid to admit when I'm wrong. If I'm going to hold others accountable then I have to hold myself accountable too. However, If anyone has any other evidence that this drug is banned in "49" states, then please contact me so I can verify it and check with the proper authorities.
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