Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez V and PED testing

By Boxing News - 02/01/2013 - Comments

marquez5By Mark Havey: When Juan Manuel Marquez (55-6-1, 40 KO’s) left the ring last December after his best ever win, it seemed an open and shut case. True, Manny Pacquiao (54-6-2, 38 KO’s) was winning and the fight always seemed in the balance. But Marquez had done what no one else had ever done. After 6 rounds he had knocked out the ‘fighter of the decade’ and arch rival, Pacquiao. both wanted a knocked to leave no doubt. But the knockout somehow put a question mark over the win.

People soon came forward wanting answers. The main one was this, did Marquez cheat? There were many reasons for people asking this. How had Marquez managed to gain so much muscle towards the end of his career? Pacquiao has a great chin, how had Marquez suddenly gained so much power? Why did he employ one of the world’s biggest cheats as his strength and conditioning coach? There has been alot of controversy.

It seems to me that people make up their minds based on the fighter they like, opposed to facts. If they support Manny then Marquez must have cheated. If they support Marquez then of course he didn’t. But are any of the questions above impossible? No. Are they suspicious? Yes some are. In a long career Marquez has never cheated. He is a very fair boxer. Why would he cheat now. I’m not saying he didn’t cheat. When I saw his weigh in, the first thing I done was check if testing was being done with this fight. Of course I doubt. But it is possible. His training camp was very serious.

Maybe Marquez should have picked a different conditioning coach. But Marquez can’t be condemned for the crimes of another. I’m sure that Marquez feels he has been tainted for what is certainly his greatest act.

How did Marquez get so much power? he has always had it. his KO ratio is good. This is nothing new. What is new is him having enough power to stop the granite chinned Pacquiao. But it is easily explained to an open minded person. Timing and momentum. Marquez slipped and punched with precision and at just the right time. And as his fist flew out, Pacquiao’s face rushed in, doubling the power.

Like it or not the question mark is there to stay. Marquez did pass drugs test but the doubters say his conditioning coach specialized in hiding PED. Their 5th fight is being set up so no doubt is offered. We all know both have the power, and now the question of PED will be eradicated. Opposingviews.com have stated that even stricter test will be carried out this time. This will be good for the sport and everyone involved at all levels. In my heart I don’t believe that Marquez cheated. His impeccable reputation proves this. But I do have doubt. There are alot of things that add up to paint a conspicuously suspect picture. So I can listen and understand the reasoning of fans on both sides of the fence. And I am glad that fans are being given what they deserve, a clear winner in a fair fight.



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