Petition

To require professional boxers to test negative at least two weeks prior.

Rejected 12 signatures

What the petition asks

Parliament to direct the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to create legislation that requires professional combat sports to test negative before events. Engage with the regulators, boxers and promoters to ensure fit for purpose legislation.
The UK is one of the leading countries in the sport of boxing; however, globally, there is an issue of banned substances and weak penalties for those who are caught, often afterwards. By having this strict requirement, boxers will be kept safe and set a precedent for other jurisdictions. The average cost incurred by UKAD for a single test on a single Athlete was £302.44, 31 March 2024. Given the increased risk of combat sports, lives are at risk, and there should be a zero tolerance for doping.

Why it was rejected

It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.

The issue raised by the petition is is a matter for sporting governing bodies who work with UK Anti-Doping: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-anti-doping

Timeline

29 Jul 2025 Petition opened for signatures
22 Aug 2025 Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 12
Status Rejected
Rejected 22 Aug 2025

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 20 Aug 2026.