For the avoidance of doubt, WBF Medical Advisor Dr. Adam Balogh has confirmed that Meldonium, a pharmaceutical product first developed way back in 1970, has also been included on the list of forbidden substances of the World Boxing Federation, after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned it on January 1 for use by athletes.
Meldonium is mainly used in Eastern European countries as anti-ischemia medication and to treat coronary artery diseases. As a doping drug, it enhances athletic performance by increasing the overall endurance of the athlete and speeding up their recovery time after a strenuous workout. This helps with endurance in that they can train longer without needing breaks in between. They also have increased recovery time, which means that athletes can return to competition or training sooner than normal without feeling as sore or tired as they would have without the assistance of the Meldonium.
A long line of athletes from various sports, mainly from East European countries, have thus far been tested positive for Meldonium this year, among them the professional boxers Alexander Povetkin and Igor Mikhalkin.
For this reason, Dr. Balogh wishes to clearly draw the attention of boxers and their teams to this matter and urges everyone competing for a WBF championship to either themselves study the WBF Medical Guidelines closely or have a competent physician of his/her choice doing so and giving advice.
Click here for the WBF Medical Guidelines: CLICK HERE. WBF Medical Advisor Dr. Adam Balogh is available for any inquiries at adambalogh@live.com.
