By Hector Gonzalez: It’s been interesting reading all the allegations pundits are making towards Juan Manuel Marquez after his victory over Manny Pacquiao this weekend. Many people, especially hardcore Pacquiao fans are insinuating that Marquez was on PED’s and that’s why he got so big and was able to knockout Pacquiao by a devastating right hand counter.
Many of these critics point out that Marquez’s conditioning coach, Angel ‘Memo’ Heredia was a known PED supplier. The irony of it all is that while many critics may have strong speculation that Marquez used PED’s, the fighter surrounded by the most speculation of being on PED’s is, well……. Manny Pacquiao!
It’s interesting how quickly some of these fans have seem to forgotten that three years ago, Manny Pacquiao was under heavy criticism by many boxing fans and even boxing insiders for speculation that he was using PED’s. Commentators, boxers and other pro couches are on record saying that they suspected Pacquiao ‘is on steroids’.
The three main points for the speculations against Pacquiao were 1.) Pacquiao fought from 106lbs all the way up to 150lbs while maintaining strength and power, 2.) It is a known fact that Freddy Roach trained boxers while they were on PED’s, last but not least, 3.) Pacquiao failed to agree to take the USADA Olympic Style drug test as a stipulation set forth by the Mayweather camp.
Here is how I see it. Alex Ariza who is by trade a condition trainer and nutrition specialist was able to get Manny Pacquiao to fight from 135lb to 150lb while maintaining speed and power. Angel Heredia who is also by trade a condition trainer and nutrition specialist was able to get Marquez to fight from 135lb- 143lb while gaining power but losing speed.
Wasn’t the lesson we learned from the allegations made against Pacquiao, that we shouldn’t accuse someone without proof ……. Why doesn’t the same rule apply now!?
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