OMNISPORT 

Floyd Mayweather and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) have each rubbished suggestions the boxer breached doping rules ahead of his super-fight with Manny Pacquiao.

The undefeated world champion, who faces Andre Berto this weekend, has been the subject of reports that claimed he had used a prohibited IV to prevent dehydration prior to facing Pacquiao in May.

However, USADA responded on Thursday by outlining their desire to "immediately correct the record regarding the false suggestion that Floyd Mayweather violated the rules by receiving an IV infusion of saline and vitamins".

"It is simply absurd to suggest that we would ever compromise our integrity for any sport or athlete," said USADA in a statement.

"As was already publicly reported in May of this year by the Nevada State Athletic Commission [NSAC], Mr. Mayweather applied for and was granted a Therapeutic Use Exemption [TUE] by USADA for an IV infusion of saline and vitamins that was administered prior to his May 2 fight against Manny Pacquiao.

"Mr. Mayweather's use of the IV was not prohibited under the NSAC rules at that time and would not be a violation of the NSAC rules today. Nonetheless, because Mr. Mayweather was voluntarily taking part in a USADA program, and therefore subject to the rules of the WADA [World Anti-Doping Agency] Code, he took the additional step of applying for a TUE after the IV infusion was administered in order to remain in compliance with the USADA program.

"Although Mr. Mayweather's application was not approved until after his fight with Mr. Pacquiao and all test results were reported, Mr. Mayweather did disclose the infusion to USADA in advance of the IV being administered to him. Furthermore, once the TUE was granted, the NSAC and Mr. Pacquiao were immediately notified even though the practice is not prohibited under NSAC rules."

Mayweather subsequently issued his own response, strongly denying any wrongdoing.

A statement read: "As already confirmed by USADA, I did not commit any violations of the Nevada or USADA drug-testing guidelines. 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."

Mayweather can equal Rocky Marciano's legendary 49-0 record by defeating Berto at the MGM Grand on Saturday, in what he has repeatedly insisted will be his last fight.