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MANILA, Philippines – The “almost finalized” negotiations for the super fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. hit a snag because of an alleged disagreement on the type of drug testing that should be done.
Pacquiao reportedly refused to undergo Olympic-style drug testing, which involves random blood and urine tests.
“I understand Pacquiao not liking having his blood taken, because frankly I don’t know anyone who really does,” Mayweather said in a statement, according to a Yahoo Sports report.
“But in a fight of this magnitude, I think it is our responsibility to subject ourselves to sportsmanship at the highest level. I have already agreed to the testing and it is a shame that he is not willing to do the same,” said the undefeated American fighter with a 40-0 (with 25 knockouts) record.
Pacquiao, who has never failed a drug test, purportedly does not want to have his blood taken before the fight scheduled on March 13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“It leaves me with great doubt as to the level of fairness I would be facing in the ring that night. I hope that this is either some miscommunication or that Manny will change his mind and step up and allow these tests,” commented Mayweather.
Mayweather’s father, Floyd Sr., alleged that Pacquiao (50-3-2, with 38 KOs) was taking performance-enhancing drugs, a claim that Pacquiao and his team vehemently denied.
‘Crazy demand’
Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, called Mayweather’s demand as “absolutely crazy.”
“Manny has nothing to hide. But he’s not going to give blood because that’s crazy. He’ll do it at the beginning and he’ll do it at the end. That’s how it is done. Ask some former Olympic boxers how many times they give blood,” noted the Top Rank Promotions big boss.
The Yahoo Sports report added that Pacquiao is “squeamish about needles.”
Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer told ESPN.com, “[Top Rank President] Todd [duBoef] told me that Pacquiao has difficulty with taking blood and doesn't want to do it so close to the fight.”
Schaefer, who is representing Mayweather, added: “He, Pacquiao, would only agree to have blood drawn before the kick-off press conference and after the fight.”
The Filipino boxing icon’s trainer, meantime, maintained that a urine test will suffice.
“The tests he’s requesting are not commission tests, they’re not boxing tests and this is not an Olympic sport. A urine test is just as qualified as a blood test. [Human growth hormone] is not detected by blood or urine,” said Roach.
The American trainer earlier told The Philippine Star that he will allow his ward to undergo the same drug testing that Mayweather will go through. “But no blood tests close to the fight. They can take urine tests.”
Level playing field
Mayweather’s camp, on the other hand, urged Pacquiao to agree to the blood testing procedure.
“We hope that Manny will do the right thing and agree to the testing as it is an egregious act to deny the testing and hence, deny the millions of fans the right to see this amazing fight. We just want to make sure there is a level playing field in a sport that is a man-to-man contest that relies on strength and ability,” stated Mayweather’s adviser, Leonard Ellerbe.
“I still hope this decision is coming from someone in Pacquiao's camp and not Manny himself as it would be a shame that an athlete of his stature and who represents his whole country would not be able to show the public or his fellow athletes that he agrees to the highest standards in sports competition,” he added.
Schaefer also hoped that Pacquiao will clear the issue and finally agree to undergo drug tests.
The Golden Boy CEO said: “Team Mayweather is very surprised that an elite athlete like Manny Pacquiao would refuse drug testing procedures which Floyd has already agreed to and have been agreed to by many other top athletes. Why would Pacquiao refuse to have the same kind of testing that Lance Armstrong, Michael Phelps, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant have had?”
Extra pounds penalty
Schaefer also lamented that the drug testing issue is the only thing that is holding back the Pacquiao-Mayweather bout.
“We have agreed on everything except for this drug testing issue. I have to think Pacquiao is unaware of this. The drug testing had been part of the contract for a while and then they suddenly said no. I was informed of that [Tuesday] morning. Suddenly they changed course and I don't know why,” he told ESPN.com.
Schaefer then revealed that both camps have agreed on imposing a penalty if the fighters exceed the limit of 147 lbs.
“We agreed to $10 million per pound, or fraction thereof… That's what the Pacquiao side wanted and we said OK to that. That's unheard of.”
Mayweather came in at 146 lbs., which is beyond the 144 lbs. limit for his bout against Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez on September 19. The American, who won via unanimous decision, paid a penalty worth $600,000.
Pacquiao is also coming off a victory last November 14 after edging Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto by technical knockout in the 12th round. – With reports from Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports, Abac Cordero of The Philippine Star, and Dan Rafael of ESPN.com
Source: abs-cbnnews.com
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