"I am completely shocked by the response from Manny on this matter. He has always been an excellent athlete and a gentleman. Why is it that he's requesting restrictions or conditions to the tests? It is the perfect opportunity for him to dispel all the rumors around himself and the use of steroids. His refusal to submit to the tests without conditions certainly raises questions", stated former welterweight champion Miguel Cotto as he shared his thoughts on the recent controversy surrounding the request for random blood testing in the highly-anticipated clash between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
After being dominated and stopped in the 12th round by Pacquiao this past November, Cotto shared his respect for the Filipino icon, stating that he was the best fighter he ever fought. "I take nothing away from Manny. We both made a great fight...He is fast and stronger than we thought he would be," Cotto would tell FightHype's own Percy Crawford just last week. However, with all the recent talk regarding Pacquiao's reluctance to take random blood tests, Cotto is now singing a different tune.
"The Olympic-style drug tests are the most efficient tools to assure fair play in the sport of boxing. My recommendation is that all the authorities around the world implement a similar system. I would accept to do it without hesitation or reservation," the Puerto Rican star would tell Carlos Gonzalez of Primera Hora. "It is the only way to ensure that the result of a battle of this magnitude is due to conditioning and abilities of each fighter. Trying to amplify the abilities with drugs is revolting."
Although Cotto brings up some valid points regarding improved testing in the sport of boxing, his comments about Pacquiao are peculiar after taking his defeat so humbly. Given the fact that just last week, Cotto was praising Pacquiao, but now, he's questioning his stance on blood testing, one has to wonder if Cotto is merely using this opportunity to justify the lopsided beating he took.
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