If Mayweather drops drug test issue, fight is on – Arum -- Manila Bulletin

By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin

Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum told the media gathered in Los Angeles Wednesday that the only thing that would pave the way for having the megabuck fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. is if the American drops his drug-testing demands.

“(If Mayweather) stops the nonsense,” said Arum, the much-awaited showdown between the current pound-for-pound king and the former holder of that mythical title, will take place.

Talking to fighthype, Arum said a clearer picture of what lies ahead for Pacquiao should be known after the May 10 elections. Pacquiao is running for a congress seat in Sarangani province.

Arum said that while a November date is being looked at, Pacquiao could fight as early as September although a win in the elections would push the fight back to November.

“October is out because of the World Series (of baseball),” said Arum.

Pacquiao-Mayweather was close to being done but a last-minute demand by Mayweather for Olympic-style drug testing to be done on them was the deal-breaker.

Pacquiao contested that there was no reason for him to undergo such tests since he has never even tested positive for a banned substance in all of his 18 fights on US soil.

Arum said Mayweather is on top of the list of priorities, while also being looked at are Antonio Margarito and Juan Manuel Marquez and possibly the winner of the June superwelterweight battle between Miguel Cotto and Yuri Foreman.

It is widely believed that Pacquiao is in the final phase of his storied career and that the Mayweather fight will be his last ring appearance.

Source: mb.com.ph