by David P. Greisman
Strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza and trainer Robert Garcia say they have concerns with the integrity of the testing done by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) for Manny Pacquiao’s fight with Brandon Rios — testing that brought up a positive test from their fighter, Rios, for a banned substance.
Ariza and Garcia say that the post-fight test that produced the result was done with Rios urinating into a drinking glass, and then that sample being poured into a proper container. More from them is available at https://www.boxingscene.com/ariza-garcia-respond-brandon-rios-positive-test--72718
And more on Rios’ positive test is available at https://www.boxingscene.com/brandon-rios-takes-another-hit-with-failed-drug-test--72715.
VADA’s Margaret Goodman stands by the testing overseen by her agency. She provided a statement to BoxingScene.com in response to Ariza’s and Garcia’s comments:
“The test results speak for themselves,” Goodman wrote. “The nature of methylhexanamine is fully explained on several responsible web sites. VADA used a highly recognized collection company for Rios-Pacquiao that is regularly used by many nations in the Olympic movement. VADA's role is to oversee drug testing and report the results to the appropriate parties. It is not our role to discuss the results and their implications in the media.”
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