The BALCO founder claimed he already learned from his mistakes and served jail time as punishment for his role in professional sports doping. But Victor Conte is still facing a hard time getting out from the steroid stigma.

The BALCO was dismantled years ago but his name is still being associated to steroids especially that he is now managing a nutrition company providing elite athletes with supplements. The SNAC or Scientific Nutrition for Advanced Conditioning has in its long lists of clients professional athletes from boxing, track and field and baseball.

Berto Defending His Link to Conte

Andre Berto, who just won his comeback fight against Slovenian Jan Zaveck, defended his decision in getting the services of Victor Conte. In a pre-fight interview, Berto told the media that Conte was able to help him a lot during the training. “I’ve had a tremendous training camp. We switched things up a bit and went to California for this camp and I have been working Victor Conte. He’s really been helping me with my nutrition and has taught me the importance of having rest days,” said Berto.

The former WBC Welterweight champion claimed that they already dumped the old school training after they met Conte and the results are good.

But when asked by a sports writer about steroids, Berto is quick to defend Conte. “He’s had a rough past but I know everything he’s done (with me) is legal.” Berto also said that nobody’s putting an injection on him. “I know that what I’m doing is legit.”

Berto’s claim of the IBF welterweight crown from Zaveck will help him regain his position in the welterweight division and hope for a fight with Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. But before he can do that he must take some more fights and probably a rematch with Victor Ortiz.

Andre Ward Urge to Take Steroid Test

Meanwhile, Andre Ward is also on the hot seat. His opponent, Carl Froch, wants him to undergo a stringent drug testing because of his ties with Victor Conte. The Daily Star reported that Froch will ask his promoter if a pre-fight drug test or blood test is possible before they clash on October 29 at Atlantic City. They will be brawling for the WBC super-middleweight title.

“There have been stories about American boxers taking steroids, so you do wonder if people are taking things to give them the edge,” Froch told the Daily Star. “I will be raising the question with my promoter Eddie Hearn and he will probably do something about it, whether it’s a pre-fight drug test or blood test,” he added.

On the other hand, Ward told the media that he already severed his ties with Conte. However, Conte played a major role in his win on Mikkel Kessler in the Super Six tournament in 2009. Ward also defended Conte. “Victor’s very knowledgeable. I would talk to him about ­supplements, he’s on the right track,” Ward said.

Other Boxers Working with Conte

Other boxers who are under Conte’s nutrition program were not spared from critics. Nonito Donaire also defended his decision to work with Conte and the “Filipino Flash” believes Conte is not giving him any type of steroids. Zab Judah is also working with Conte.

None of these boxers have failed any steroid test but their critics will never stop associating them to steroids use. And that’s because of Victor Conte.

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