By Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times
In what appears to be a hastily pulled together statement, Top Rank Promotions says that Manny Pacquiao is preparing to sue Floyd Mayweather Jr., his father and Golden Boy Promotions for remarks made by the boxer and people in his camp regarding Pacquiao's possible use of performance-enhancing drugs.
The statement read in part: "These people, Mayweather Sr., Jr., and Golden Boy Promotions, think it is a joke and a right to accuse someone wrongly of using steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. . . I have instructed my promoter, Bob Arum head of Top Rank Inc., to help me out in the filing of the case as soon as possible . . ."
Negotiations for a mega-fight between the boxers for March 13 have stalled on the issue of drug testing. Pacquiao isn't receptive to Team Mayweather's suggestion to adopt U.S. Anti-Doping Agency guidelines that will subject him to repeated blood tests in the days leading up to the fight. Mayweather said he wants assurance the bout is fought on a level playing field. Pacquiao would prefer urine testing done by either the Nevada State Athletic Commission or testers who preside over NFL and Major League Baseball programs.
Here's the complete statement from Top Rank and Pacquiao:
SARANGANI, PHILIPPINES (Dec. 25) Saying that his character and person has been questioned, maligned damaged and tarnished by baseless accusations, pound-for-pound boxing king Manny Pacquiao and promoter Top Rank Inc. announced today the filing of a lawsuit within the next few days against the Mayweathers, Floyd Sr. and Jr., et al, and Golden Boy Promotions.
Enough is enough. These people, Mayweather Sr., Jr., and Golden Boy Promotions, think it is a joke and a right to accuse someone wrongly of using steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. I have tried to just brush it off as a mere pre-fight ploy but I think they have gone overboard, said Pacquiao in Tagalog while celebrating Christmas with his family here.
I have instructed my promoter, Bob Arum head Top Rank Inc., to help me out in the filing of the case as soon as possible because I have had people coming over to me now asking if I really take performance-enhancing drugs and have cheated my way to become the No. 1 boxer in the world, said Pacquiao.
Libel, slander and a defamation suit are being readied against the accused to once and for all clear out Pacquiao's good name and character.
-- Lance Pugmire
Source: latimesblogs.latimes.com
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