ALL GUTS, ALL GLORY, ALL NATURAL: Manny Pacquiao’s continues clean doping test boxing record

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

For the nth time, Manny Pacquiao recorded a clean doping test following his comeback fight against Mario Barrios on July 21, 2025.

World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman released the results, confirming Pacquiao tested negative for any banned substances.

In an official statement, Sulaiman said the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association found no traces of illegal drugs in Pacquiao’s system.

“Just received from @Vada_Testing the final notification of testing performed on @MannyPacquiao and Mario Barrios for their fight, and all negative,” Sulaiman posted on X.

The results quickly shut down circulating rumors that the 46-year-old Filipino boxing legend had used performance-enhancing drugs to stay in shape during training.

Despite facing a younger and stronger Barrios, Pacquiao surprised many with his impressive stamina, dragging the title bout to a full 12 rounds.

Many predicted Pacquiao would slow down midway, but boxing’s only eight-division world champion proved them wrong and picked up the pace starting in the sixth round.

Instead of conserving energy, Pacquiao unleashed flurries of punches each round, landing several four-punch combinations in the final 30 seconds.

However, the effort wasn’t enough to secure the win, as the bout ended in a majority draw.

“I thought I won the fight. It was a close fight. My opponent was very tough. Barrios is a wonderful fighter,” Pacquiao said after his first pro fight in four years.

Pacquiao is expected to return to the ring later this year, as MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons confirmed they are finalizing paperwork for a fight against Rolly Romero.

Romero, a top contender in the welterweight division who recently defeated Ryan Garcia, has expressed interest in facing Pacquiao.

“If a legend is asking to make a fight with you, that says something,” Romero said.

“And it’s not only because of the belt—it’s because I can sell the fight, too, and I’m on par with who he is. That speaks highly of how much potential I truly have.”