Marquez shrugs off doping allegations

MANILA, Philippines – Juan Manuel Marquez claimed his vastly improved physique is a result of hard work, and not by illegal means.

Manny Pacquiao’s Mexican archrival on Wednesday denied accusations that he has taken banned substances in achieving a ripped body, instead pointing to a more rigorous training regimen.

"I have never done this type of work before. That's why my body has changed,” Marquez told USA Today's Jon Saracino when the latter brought up the issue during Wednesday’s telephone conference.

Marquez faces Pacquiao for the fourth time on Dec. 8 (Dec. 9 in Manila) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and he has been preparing well for the encounter.

“I have been working very hard, specifically to get more strength. (Strength coach) Angel (Hernandez) is a professional and knows how much weight I am putting on. I am getting more speed and getting stronger at the same time," the Mexican added.

Allegations of doping have hounded Marquez since he associated himself with the controversial Hernandez, who, according ringtv.com’s Lem Satterfield, had previously testified on court that he supplied illegal substances to disgraced former track star Marion Jones.

A photo recently released by his promoter Zanfer Promotions showing a significantly bigger Marquez only added fuel to the speculations.

Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach is among those who believe that something fishy is going on.

"If (his body) is natural, I will kiss his ass,'' Roach said.

"(Marquez) has gotten bigger and gained weight — it throws up a red flag. I've been accused so many times of my fighters being on steroids (that) I hate to accuse other people. But it is part of our life, part of the world we live in,'' added the bespectacled trainer.

Pacquiao himself isn’t a stranger to doping allegations, having been accused by Floyd Mayweather of taking banned substances. Pacquiao took Mayweather to court for the claim, and both camps have settled the case.

Marquez, for his part, reportedly sounded irked by the allegations during the teleconference.

"I think it's disrespectful when people start rumors like this,'' said the Mexican, adding that he is very much willing to undergo testing to clear his name.

He is challenging Pacquiao to do the same.

“As for the steroids, I'm willing to give myself to any anti-doping tests. Why don't Manny Pacquiao and I both do it? I don't care. To shut everybody up. And, of course, my exams have always been clear," Marquez stressed.