Wayne Alexander (Former European super-welterweight champion)
As long as they have put their hands up and admitted their guilt as soon as the test comes back positive, they should take the punishment – whether it be a fine or a ban, or both – and be prepared for random tests in future. If it happens again, they should be banned for life. Everyone is entitled to a second chance, though, because sometimes it is not 100 per cent the fighter’s fault, what with the possibility of contamination and spiking, etc.
Michael Conlan (Featherweight contender)
I feel it’s wrong and I can’t support them. We are in a sport where people’s lives are at risk every time they step into the ring. It’s already very dangerous without PEDs, so if someone has knowingly taken something a lifetime ban should be enforced. Even if unknowingly, they should still receive a ban.
Gary Logan (Former Southern Area welterweight champion)
I watch the suspected cheats or those who have failed tests with an indifference now. My fandom and my admiration for them has certainly been affected by failed tests. Something about them is now tainted. I never watch them live and I never buy their pay-per-views. Instead, I will watch the fight a few days later merely from a technical, coach’s perspective.
Gareth A Davies (Journalist)
Brilliant question, and one you have to wrestle with as a correspondent. Huge grey area, here. But PEDs are banned for a reason. As we all know, boxing is an inherently dangerous sport. Timely reminder, moreover, given what is going on with Conor Benn, which has become a wider issue for the sport in the past six months. At some point you have to forgive, but you can’t forget.