What steroids? Pacquiao tests negative for dope

Filipino ring superstar Manny Pacquiao virtually shut up allegations that he’s into steroids and other performance-enhancing substances by coming in clean after his dominating 12-round TKO of Miguel Cotto for his record seventh division title. In a report posted on SI.Com, Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) executive director Keith Kizer announced that Pacquiao underwent two urine tests – before and after his Nov. 14 showdown with Cotto – and tested negative for illegal substances on both occasions.

The website also noted that it was the 10th time that the reigning pound-for-pound king has passed Nevada’s dope tests. The NSAC requires every boxer who fights in Las Vegas to submit urine samples to be tested for 40 types of steroids, diuretics and masking agents. Pacquiao’s ascension as a champion in seven different weight classes has been publicly questioned by outspoken trainer Floyd Mayweather, Sr., especially after the Pacman disposed of the latter’s ward, Ricky Hatton of Britain, in two jaw-dropping rounds last May. The elder Mayweather has claimed “small man" Pacquiao, who has fought and eventually beat up bigger and stronger foes like Oscar de la Hoya and Hatton, is “on something." “I’m telling you, he puts on that weight too fast and it’s too lean. They need to start checking him and monitoring him better," Mayweather, Sr. was quoted in a September 2009 article posted on FightHype.Com. Pacquiao and his camp have denied taking steroids and other illegal substances, even contemplating on taking legal action against Mayweather Sr. for his insinuations. But the very vocal trainer is not dropping it. After the Cotto fight, Mayweather Sr. told SI.Com that “Pacquiao's ability to take Cotto's powerful shots and keep coming proved the champion was taking performance-enhancing substances." He however, gave no further proof to back up his accusations. Pacquiao’s conditioning trainer, Alex Ariza, said in a separate interview with SI.Com that the only substances the 30-year-old ruing icon has taken, to go with his 6,500-calorie diet, were protein and liver-support supplements.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV The steroids issue might probably be part of the fanfare for the potential megafight between Pacquiao and the trainer’s son, comebacking Flod Mayweather, Jr., who both breached 1 million in pay-per-view buys for their respective last fights. Clamor for a Pacquiao-Mayweather Jr. has been at a fever pitch and promoters Bob Arum of Top Rank (for Pacquiao) and Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions (on behalf of Mayweather) have already commenced formal negotiations in Las Vegas this week. - GMANews.TV