Nothing in works for Mayweather-Pacquiao showdown -- New York Post

By George Willis, New York Post

Don't hold your breath about anything developing soon regarding a bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. Despite reports of Pacquiao softening his objection to blood testing, or his trainer Freddie Roach saying the fight is all but set for this fall, or that Top Rank promoter Bob Arum is heading to the Philippines with a contract — nothing, I repeat, nothing is imminent.

“We’re not thinking about nobody or nothing,” Mayweather’s adviser, Leonard Ellerbe, told the Post. “We’re just looking forward to taking a vacation.”

Mayweather captured a unanimous decision over “Sugar” Shane Mosley last Saturday in Las Vegas to remain unbeaten and renew talks of a showdown with Pacquiao. An attempt to make the fight earlier this year fell through when the two sides couldn’t agree on blood-testing procedures.

Though the public continues to clamor for Mayweather-Pacquiao, the fighters have other priorities. Mayweather’s mind is on his vacation, and Pacquiao is a candidate in Monday’s election for a congressional seat in the Philippines.

“Mayweather is the furthest thing on our mind,” Pacquiao’s adviser, Mike Koncz, said on Pacquiao’s website. “After the May 10 election, I have arranged for Manny and his family to take a well deserved two-week secluded vacation. ... After the vacation that we will sit down and discuss and plan Manny Pacquiao’s next fight.”

Sorry, but my guess is Mayweather-Pacquiao doesn’t happen until 2011. The blood-testing issue remains at an impasse.

“We will not be bullied into or entertain any additional rules or regulations to be imposed by our opponent,” Koncz said.

Also, don’t be surprised if Mayweather fights in the United Kingdom or Dubai next to enhance his appeal as a global superstar. Why not make some quick cash in an easier fight?

“I get phone calls every day about a number of different opportunities for Floyd,” Ellerbe said. “That’s what happens when you’re the biggest star in the sport.”

A replay of Mayweather’s victory over Mosley will be shown on HBO tonight. It will precede a live 12-round junior middleweight bout between Paul Williams and Kermit Cintron from the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

Williams (38-1, 27 KOs) is a two-time welterweight champion, but has had to move up in weight. Cintron (32-2-1, 28 KOs) is a former welterweight champ, looking to position himself for a mega-fight.

george.willis@nypost.com

Source: nypost.com