Just after Ben Henderson dominated Nate Diaz to defend the Lightweight title on UFC On Fox 5 on December 5, one of the most spectacular combat sports moments of the year occurred. In the 6th round of their fourth fight, Juan Manuel Marquez dropped boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao with a single punch.
While many have spent the time since wondering what will be coming next for Pacquiao and Marquez, the UFC’s next Light heavyweight contender Chael Sonnen had something else on his mind when he appeared on Jim Rome on Showtime:
Pacquiao got hit by a guy who miraculously went through puberty a second time at 39 years old. He got hit by a guy that showed up with more power at 39 than he had in any of the previous fights. He had a 6 pack that he never had before.
There’s two tests that you have, Jim. You’ve got the pee test, but you’ve also got the visual test. When you take your robe off and you get in the ring that’s your first test. And to act as if all of us didn’t go, “Something’s going on there.”
No, I haven’t said that (he’s on PEDs), but I sure came close, didn’t I? I know that Freddy Roach did. I know Freddy Roach said, “If that body’s clean, I kiss your ass.” But you gotta understand, all substances aren’t illegal. Did he take something? Sure, he did. Did he take something illegal? Well, according to the test, no.
I just know you don’t go through puberty twice and I’ll leave it at that.
It’s no secret that PEDs are a significant problem in MMA, boxing, and professional sports in general. The testing policies of state commissions are widely criticized as ineffective and lacking the ability to really crack down on culprits. However, with nothing but the ‘visual test’, there’s not a lot to support Sonnen’s allegations.
About the author
