Victor Conte Suspicious of Former Steroid Dealer Working with Juan Manuel Marquez

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BALCO founder Victor Conte recently introduced some additional steroid drama to the world of professional boxing after watching an episode of “24/7: Pacquiao-Marquez”. The HBO reality series features Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao as they train for a rematch taking place in Las Vegas on November 12, 2011. Several people, including boxers Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Shane Mosely and Oscar de la Hoya have suggested that Pacquiao may have used anabolic steroids. Now, Victor Conte has raised suspicions about the possible use of steroids by Marquez.

Conte noticed that the trainer for Juan Manuel Marquez bore a striking resemblance to a key government witness in the BALCO steroid investigation. The reality show features Marquez working with a trainer going by the name of Angel Hernandez. However, Conte revealed that Angel Hernandez is, in fact, Angel “Memo” Heredia. Heredia is an admitted steroid dealer who provided performance-enhancing drugs to athletes indicted in the BALCO steroid scandal.

Conte says that Marquez’ association with a known steroid dealer should make people suspicious of possible steroid use by the boxer. This is quite ironic since Conte, himself a convicted steroid dealer, is all too familiar with the unfair stigma of working with a known steroid dealer.

Conte pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids and money laundering and was sentenced to four months in prison in 2005. This did not stop athletes from working with him after he was released.

Conte currently works with professional athletes such as British track star Dwain Chambers and bantamweight boxer Nonito Donaire. Conte’s association has led some people to suggest that Chambers and Donaire may be doping.

So why isn’t Conte more sympathetic to the plight of a former steroid dealer trying to find legitimate work in the industry?

Conte says there is a big difference between his steroid history and that of Angel Hernandez aka Angel “Memo” Heredia.

“We both know people from the dark side of sport and I’m certainly suspicious of his current activities. I also understand that many may feel the same way about me, explains Conte. “However, there is a simple and basic difference. I chose to accept full responsibility for my very serious mistakes. I also chose not cooperate in the prosecution of any others involved and I served my time in prison. Memo made a different choice.”

Conte called Heredia a “puppet for famed BALCO investigator Jeff Novitzky”. Heredia reportedly testified that he provided anabolic steroids and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) to track coach Trevor Graham and several athletes such as Antonio Pettigrew, Jerome Young, Duane Ross, Garfield Ellenwood, Dennis Mitchell and Randall Evans in exchange for immunity for prosecution.

The real question is: Does being a steroid dealer and government “puppet” or “snitch” make it more likely that Heredia’s current clients are utilizing any banned substances?

If Marquez was using steroids, then why would he hire a known steroid dealer with a history of snitching on his clients in a government investigation? A steroid-using athlete would seem more likely to hire someone that has proven they can keep mouth shut.

Source:

Maquiñana, R. (November 2, 2011). Conte “Certainly Suspicious” of Marquez Strength Coach. Retrieved from http://www.boxingscene.com/conte-certainly-suspicious-marquez-strength-coach–45585