Floyd Mayweather hits back at 'false' doping claims and states: 'I am a clean athlete'

Uneaten American takes on Andre Berto in final fight on Saturday

Floyd Mayweather (left) and his opponent this weekend, Andre Berto (GETTY IMAGES)

Floyd Mayweather has denied any wrongdoing in his approach to drug testing and maintains that he is a clean athlete following allegations he has received favourable treatment from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

An article published on Thursday alleged that just a day before his May 2 fight with Manny Pacquiao - the richest in history - Mayweather, with USADA's knowledge, used an IV (Intravenous therapy) to rehydrate himself after weighing-in, despite doing so being prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

USADA has confirmed Mayweather's use of an IV but insisted that because he had been granted a Theraputic Use Exemption (TUE) he remained entirely innocent and that the article in question was "riddled with significant inaccuracies and misrepresentations based on unsubstantiated rumours as well as anonymous or self-interested sources".

It also said that every time they had overseen professional boxing, they had done so "in accordance with the WADA Code and the International Standards".

Mayweather, who faces Andre Berto at Las Vegas' MGM Grand on Saturday in a fight he claims will be his last, has also dismissed suggestions that he has in any way violated the anti-doping measures put in place by USADA.

"As already confirmed by the USADA Statement, I did not commit any violations of the Nevada or USADA drug testing guidelines," he said in a statement.

"I follow and have always followed the rules of Nevada and USADA, the gold standard of drug testing.

"Let's not forget that I was the one six years ago who insisted on elevating the level of drug testing for all my fights. As a result, there is more drug testing and awareness of its importance in the sport of boxing today than ever before.

"I am very proud to be a clean athlete and will continue to champion the cause."

PA