Monday, 28 December 2009

Pacquiao camp sets deadline for Mayweather bout -- BBC Sport

BBC Sport

Manny Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, has given Floyd Mayweather's camp a deadline of Monday to settle a blood test row and salvage their fight.

The welterweight pair were due to meet on 13 March but the fight was called off last week over the issue.

The American's camp were told by Pacquiao's people that the Filipino would not agree to blood-testing in the 30 days prior to the fight.

Arum wants the Nevada State Athletic Commission to rule on the matter.

He wants a hearing on the matter on 19 January and said on Sunday that that if Mayweather's camp does not agree to allow Nevada officials to decide when and how to conduct blood tests, he will sign a deal for Pacquiao to instead face Paulie Malignaggi.

"We'll go along with what the Nevada commission decides," Arum said. "We want this fight to go forward."

The fight, due to take place in Las Vegas, was expected to be the richest of all time.

Pacquiao has said he will file a defamation lawsuit against Mayweather for accusing him of taking performance-enhancing drugs.

If the blood feud does scuttle the bout in March, there is a chance it could be staged later this year, but that is not likely to take place until after each fighter has met another opponent in the ring.

Pacquiao, 31, became a five-weight world champion following his WBO welterweight title win over Miguel Cotto in November, while Las Vegas-based Mayweather returned from a 21-month retirement to beat Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in September.

Source: news.bbc.co.uk

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