Pacquiao Clears Drug Tests Ahead of Barrios Matchup
In an important update for boxing fans, Manny Pacquiao has successfully cleared his drug tests ahead of his highly anticipated matchup with Mario Barrios, as confirmed by the World Boxing Council (WBC) this week. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman took to social media to announce that the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) has completed its last series of tests for both fighters, revealing all results as negative.
“I just received the final notification from VADA regarding the testing done on Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios for their upcoming fight, and I am pleased to report that all results were negative,” Sulaiman’s post stated.
He extended his gratitude to Premier Boxing Champions and Al Haymon for their commitment to ensuring safety and upholding clean sport in boxing.
Concerns Surrounding Pacquiao’s Comeback
This announcement comes amidst a wave of scrutiny concerning the 46-year-old Pacquiao, who is making a return to the ring after a four-year hiatus to challenge Barrios for the WBC world title on July 19. His comeback raised questions regarding age differences, competitive fairness, and the efficacy of drug-testing protocols for elite athletes.
However, with VADA’s confirmation of Pacquiao’s clean status, many of these concerns can be put to rest. The WBC’s active role in monitoring clean boxing practices reinforces its ongoing commitment to transparency and integrity in the sport. Both Pacquiao and Barrios were enrolled in the WBC’s Clean Boxing Program, which stipulates that top-ranked boxers, as well as title challengers, undergo random drug testing.
Looking Ahead to the Fight
With the anti-doping concerns addressed, fans can now brace themselves for the upcoming fight, which not only carries potential career ramifications for Pacquiao but also lands on a high-profile boxing card set in Las Vegas. As discussions about a possible rematch circulate, all eyes will be on whether the legendary Filipino fighter can showcase his prowess one last time.
