By James Slater, Eastside Boxing
Some people don't like David Haye, they say he talks too much, is crass at times and disrespectful to his opponents. Other people do like Haye, and they says he is charming, funny and he only uses trash-talk to sell tickets the way any other fighter proficient in that particular art form does. But one thing that all fans must agree on is the fact that Haye is capable of being brutally honest at times.
How else can one explain his recently admitting that he will "always have a suspect chin." Imagine almost any other fighter saying something like that! Okay, some fans, or critics, will say the current WBA heavyweight champion has no option but to admit his chin is suspect, due to the way he has been decked and stopped in his pro career; but many a fighter would be loathe to admit to such a weakness..
Haye, in speaking with GQ magazine, says he knows all too well he will be labelled with the "chinny" tag for the rest of his career, as will any fighter who has been down.
"I'll always have a suspect chin, anyone who's been down always will have," Haye said. "Apart from (the 5th-round TKO loss to Carl) Thompson I've never been on the canvas for longer than eight seconds. You can train yourself to take punishment.
"I realised (after the Thompson defeat) talent can only get you so far. I'd had ten easy fights before then and stopped them all. After a while you wouldn't bother training. Now I have more hunger."
Haye, reportedly set to face mandatory challenger and former WBA champ John Ruiz in May, possibly in Manchester, clearly realises he was given a wakeup call in the 2004 stoppage loss to the teak-tough Thompson. Maybe, in hindsight, the loss was a good thing for the former cruiserweight king? Despite "having more hunger," however, Haye has been on the mat since - against Jean Marc Mormeck and later against Monte Barrett. But the exciting fighter is not one to make excuses for why he ended up on the floor. Indeed, this latest interview with Haye has proven most refreshing. We have enough examples of fighters talking tough, after all.
And in the sport's long history we have also had many great fighters who achieved their greatness without the benefit of a concrete chin - the legendary Tommy Hearns for one example. The worst thing Haye could be is a fighter in denial about his less than granite chin, and going by the recent interview, in denial he definitely is not.
The big question, though, is can Haye avoid being hit and hurt if and when he gets in there with one of the Klitschko brothers? Haye boxed a near perfect, in-and-out, smart fight when he won the WBA belt from Nikolai Valuev, thus overcoming any chin issues. Can he do this again against either Vitali or Wladimir?
Source: eastsideboxing.com
Tuesday 5 January 2010
Last-ditch bid to save Pacquiao-Mayweather fight -- CNN
CNN
Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have turned to mediation in a last-ditch bid to save their March 13 super-fight in Las Vegas.
The proposed bout has been thrown into considerable doubt after a row over drugs testing escalated with Pacquiao taking legal action against Mayweather and his connections.
But representatives of the two fighters are due to meet on Tuesday with retired federal judge Daniel Weinstein, who solved a dispute relating to promotional rights for Pacquiao three years ago.
Pacquiao's promoter and Top Rank chairman Bob Arum has every faith in Weinstein's abilities.
"This guy was successful resolving our nutty problem before and hopefully he can be successful this time. He's a guy who is a big fight fan and loves the sport, and I found him last time to be a delight to deal with. Everybody did," he told ESPN.com.
Filipino hero Pacquiao has been infuriated by the insistence of Mayweather and his team at Golden Boy Promotions that both fighters submit to Olympic-style blood testing in the buildup to their pay-per-view extravaganza.
Pacquiao filed a lawsuit in a federal court in Las Vegas last week for defamation against Mayweather and others for allegedly claiming he had used performance-enhancing drugs.
It was another twist in a saga which has threatened to derail what many boxing experts predict will be the richest fight in boxing history, with projections of each fighter earning $40 million.
The bout at welterweight appeared to be virtually set after other issues around the cut of the purse for each fighter were settled, but then the drug-testing row erupted over the Christmas period.
Pacquiao became a five-weight world champion after his WBO welterweight title win over Miguel Cotto in November, while the unbeaten Mayweather returned from a 21-month retirement to beat Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in September.
Source: edition.cnn.com
Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have turned to mediation in a last-ditch bid to save their March 13 super-fight in Las Vegas.
The proposed bout has been thrown into considerable doubt after a row over drugs testing escalated with Pacquiao taking legal action against Mayweather and his connections.
But representatives of the two fighters are due to meet on Tuesday with retired federal judge Daniel Weinstein, who solved a dispute relating to promotional rights for Pacquiao three years ago.
Pacquiao's promoter and Top Rank chairman Bob Arum has every faith in Weinstein's abilities.
"This guy was successful resolving our nutty problem before and hopefully he can be successful this time. He's a guy who is a big fight fan and loves the sport, and I found him last time to be a delight to deal with. Everybody did," he told ESPN.com.
Filipino hero Pacquiao has been infuriated by the insistence of Mayweather and his team at Golden Boy Promotions that both fighters submit to Olympic-style blood testing in the buildup to their pay-per-view extravaganza.
Pacquiao filed a lawsuit in a federal court in Las Vegas last week for defamation against Mayweather and others for allegedly claiming he had used performance-enhancing drugs.
It was another twist in a saga which has threatened to derail what many boxing experts predict will be the richest fight in boxing history, with projections of each fighter earning $40 million.
The bout at welterweight appeared to be virtually set after other issues around the cut of the purse for each fighter were settled, but then the drug-testing row erupted over the Christmas period.
Pacquiao became a five-weight world champion after his WBO welterweight title win over Miguel Cotto in November, while the unbeaten Mayweather returned from a 21-month retirement to beat Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in September.
Source: edition.cnn.com
Pacquiao-Mayweather: Weinstein to the rescue -- The Ring
By Michael Rosenthal, The Ring
Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, the biggest promoters in boxing, were at each others’ throats. Lawsuits were involved. Nasty, counterproductive comments flew back and forth. And the acrimony prevented them from doing business.
That was 2007, when the companies were unable to resolve disputes over promotional rights for Manny Pacquiao and other issues.
In stepped a court-ordered mediator, retired federal judge Daniel Weinstein. The sides emerged from two weeks of mediation with a resolution to their conflicts and the ability to work together on some of the biggest fights of the past few years.
Now, as we enter 2010, Top Rank and Golden Boy –- as well as their charges, Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. -– are in a similar position. An impasse over blood testing and a law suit alleging defamation have threatened to scuttle a March 13 super fight, which both sides obviously want to save.
So who ya gonna call? Weinstein, of course.
The fighters’ representatives and Weinstein are scheduled to meet on Tuesday at the mediator’s office in Santa Monica, Calif., which apparently is the last -- and best -- opportunity to get the fight made after weeks of insanity.
The guess here is that Weinstein will succeed again for several reasons.
One, the fact the sides agreed to go to a mediator is clear evidence that they desperately want to make the fight, which most experts believe will be the richest in the history of the sport. That kind of determination -- and motivation -- usually leads to a resolution.
Two, they (Top Rank and Golden Boy) believe in Weinstein and mediation.
"(Weinstein) played a very instrumental role," Schaefer told ESPN.com immediately after the earlier disputes were resolved. "If not for him, I don't think we could have done this. He really took ownership of the case and understood how delicate it was."
Said Arum, "Anybody who tells somebody not to use a mediator in this kind of situation is out of their mind. This guy was tremendous in getting both of us to realize how destructive our conduct was and how productive it would be to work together. You need a guy like that to mediate the dispute and see the broader picture."
Three, Pacquiao and Mayweather don’t have immediate alternatives that compare to a fight against one another. They, through their handlers, have promised in anger to write off the fight and move on. Move on to what, though? Paulie Malignaggi? Yuri Foreman? Matthew Hatton?
That’s like passing on the Super Bowl and playing an exhibition game. Pacquiao and Mayweather need each other and they know it.
And, four, they’re already close to an agreement. Pacquiao seemed to be amenable to random blood testing as long as the sides agreed to a cutoff date that isn’t too close to the fight. Then, suddenly, the Pacquiao side declared that the Nevada State Athletic Commission would handle the testing … end of discussion.
Guess what happened: End of discussion. Negotiations seemed to hit a wall at that point.
So here we are, in Weinstein’s capable hands. I believe he will zero in on the cutoff date for random testing and build a final agreement from there.
Of course, there are no guarantees mediation will work this time because egos have a way of overwhelming common sense.
For example, assuming the law suit is an obstacle to making the fight, Pacquiao will probably agree to drop it only if Mayweather and Co. publicly apologize for falsely suggesting that he has used performance-enhancing drugs. Mayweather and Co. would probably agree to do so in some form but we don’t know whether they would go far enough to satisfy Pacquiao.
And, who knows, maybe Pacquiao and Mayweather are too entrenched in their positions on random testing that they will fail to find common ground. Neither side wants to be seen as giving in, at least not to a great degree.
I don’t see that happening, though. Again, the fighters and their representatives have refused to give up on the fight through bitter negotiations and agreed to mediation for a reason -– they want it to happen. And, frankly, I’ll be shocked if it doesn’t.
A celebration is just around the corner.
Michael Rosenthal can be reached at RingTVeditor@yahoo.com
Source: ringtv.com
Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, the biggest promoters in boxing, were at each others’ throats. Lawsuits were involved. Nasty, counterproductive comments flew back and forth. And the acrimony prevented them from doing business.
That was 2007, when the companies were unable to resolve disputes over promotional rights for Manny Pacquiao and other issues.
In stepped a court-ordered mediator, retired federal judge Daniel Weinstein. The sides emerged from two weeks of mediation with a resolution to their conflicts and the ability to work together on some of the biggest fights of the past few years.
Now, as we enter 2010, Top Rank and Golden Boy –- as well as their charges, Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. -– are in a similar position. An impasse over blood testing and a law suit alleging defamation have threatened to scuttle a March 13 super fight, which both sides obviously want to save.
So who ya gonna call? Weinstein, of course.
The fighters’ representatives and Weinstein are scheduled to meet on Tuesday at the mediator’s office in Santa Monica, Calif., which apparently is the last -- and best -- opportunity to get the fight made after weeks of insanity.
The guess here is that Weinstein will succeed again for several reasons.
One, the fact the sides agreed to go to a mediator is clear evidence that they desperately want to make the fight, which most experts believe will be the richest in the history of the sport. That kind of determination -- and motivation -- usually leads to a resolution.
Two, they (Top Rank and Golden Boy) believe in Weinstein and mediation.
"(Weinstein) played a very instrumental role," Schaefer told ESPN.com immediately after the earlier disputes were resolved. "If not for him, I don't think we could have done this. He really took ownership of the case and understood how delicate it was."
Said Arum, "Anybody who tells somebody not to use a mediator in this kind of situation is out of their mind. This guy was tremendous in getting both of us to realize how destructive our conduct was and how productive it would be to work together. You need a guy like that to mediate the dispute and see the broader picture."
Three, Pacquiao and Mayweather don’t have immediate alternatives that compare to a fight against one another. They, through their handlers, have promised in anger to write off the fight and move on. Move on to what, though? Paulie Malignaggi? Yuri Foreman? Matthew Hatton?
That’s like passing on the Super Bowl and playing an exhibition game. Pacquiao and Mayweather need each other and they know it.
And, four, they’re already close to an agreement. Pacquiao seemed to be amenable to random blood testing as long as the sides agreed to a cutoff date that isn’t too close to the fight. Then, suddenly, the Pacquiao side declared that the Nevada State Athletic Commission would handle the testing … end of discussion.
Guess what happened: End of discussion. Negotiations seemed to hit a wall at that point.
So here we are, in Weinstein’s capable hands. I believe he will zero in on the cutoff date for random testing and build a final agreement from there.
Of course, there are no guarantees mediation will work this time because egos have a way of overwhelming common sense.
For example, assuming the law suit is an obstacle to making the fight, Pacquiao will probably agree to drop it only if Mayweather and Co. publicly apologize for falsely suggesting that he has used performance-enhancing drugs. Mayweather and Co. would probably agree to do so in some form but we don’t know whether they would go far enough to satisfy Pacquiao.
And, who knows, maybe Pacquiao and Mayweather are too entrenched in their positions on random testing that they will fail to find common ground. Neither side wants to be seen as giving in, at least not to a great degree.
I don’t see that happening, though. Again, the fighters and their representatives have refused to give up on the fight through bitter negotiations and agreed to mediation for a reason -– they want it to happen. And, frankly, I’ll be shocked if it doesn’t.
A celebration is just around the corner.
Michael Rosenthal can be reached at RingTVeditor@yahoo.com
Source: ringtv.com
Holyfield fight date moved -- The Sun
By GAVIN GLICKSMAN, The Sun
EVANDER HOLYFIELD'S bid to claim the WBF heavyweight title has been postponed until February 20.
The veteran American was due to face Francois Botha in Uganda later this month.
But Pro Box Promotions manager Eddie Bazira said: "We need more time to publicise it and give the fighters ample time to prepare themselves.
"I assure the world that the fight will take place."
Holyfield, 47, has not boxed since a controversial points defeat to former WBA heavyweight champ Nikolai Valuev in December 2008.
Fans and pundits alike claimed Holyfield should have been awarded Valuev's title, which the giant Russian went on to lose to David Haye last year.
The Real Deal has repeatedly ignored calls to hang up his gloves and believes a win against Botha can land him a shot at a major world title.
Source: thesun.co.uk
EVANDER HOLYFIELD'S bid to claim the WBF heavyweight title has been postponed until February 20.
The veteran American was due to face Francois Botha in Uganda later this month.
But Pro Box Promotions manager Eddie Bazira said: "We need more time to publicise it and give the fighters ample time to prepare themselves.
"I assure the world that the fight will take place."
Holyfield, 47, has not boxed since a controversial points defeat to former WBA heavyweight champ Nikolai Valuev in December 2008.
Fans and pundits alike claimed Holyfield should have been awarded Valuev's title, which the giant Russian went on to lose to David Haye last year.
The Real Deal has repeatedly ignored calls to hang up his gloves and believes a win against Botha can land him a shot at a major world title.
Source: thesun.co.uk
Arbiter needs to resolve four key issues to save Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao bout -- Grand Rapids Press
By David Mayo, The Grand Rapids Press
The one remaining issue in the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao negotiations has bloomed into several, although an arbiter will attempt to resolve them Tuesday in a last-gasp effort to save the proposed March 13 fight.
These are the key issues that could be discussed as representatives for both fighters, the attorney representing Pacquiao, and a retired federal judge who will attempt to help find middle ground, prepare to meet in suburban Los Angeles:
1. Drug testing
As the central issue of the hearing in his office at Santa Monica, Calif., arbiter Daniel Weinstein will have to resolve whether there is sufficient reason to suggest drug testing beyond that typically administered by the Nevada Athletic Commission for fights in that state.
The Mayweather camp's demand for random, Olympic-style drug testing, via blood sampling, stalled a negotiation that seemed fast-tracked for completion by mid-December.
All other key issues -- money, weight, venue -- were resolved quickly.
When the Mayweather side upped the ante by suggesting NAC's urine testing was not comprehensive enough, it sparked a firestorm which has lingered for more than three weeks and threatens to undermine the fight.
Pacquiao balked at blood testing within 30 days of the fight, saying it would weaken him, even though experts in the field say that's absurd. His reluctance spawned bountiful speculation about why he didn't just accept the terms.
Mayweather refused to relent, however, which drew the ire of boxing fans who want to see the deal come to completion and don't believe special rules are necessary for this fight.
2. Contrition
Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter, said last week that his side wants an apology from the Mayweather side before going forward. He said the Filipino fighter's reputation has been irreparably tarnished by the Mayweather side's insinuation -- and in at least one case, an outright accusal -- that Pacquaio uses performance-enhancing drugs.
As to who actually made such accusation, Floyd Mayweather Sr. absolutely did, while others may or may not have. That's up to a court to decide, since Pacquiao filed a federal lawsuit to that end just last week.
If the drug-testing issue itself can be worked out, a relatively tepid statement by the Mayweather camp that it regrets the way this all went down is not out of the question.
After all, there are $40 million or so, give or take, for each fighter to gross in this extravaganza.
3. A settlement
If Pacquiao gets some bend from the Mayweather camp on the drug-testing issue and the apologhy demand, he will have to drop the lawsuit.
The action was brought last Wednesday, in a Nevada federal court, seeking unspecified damages in excess of $75,000 (the minimum amount required in such a filing), with defendants Mayweather, Mayweather Sr., Roger Mayweather, Mayweather Promotions, and Golden Boy Promotions honchos Oscar De La Hoya and Richard Schaefer.
To reach a deal on anything else, the lawsuit has to go away.
4. Weight
Pacquiao got Mayweather to agree to a usurious $10 million contractual penalty for any pound, or fraction thereof, more than 147 pounds that the Grand Rapids native might weigh.
It's an absurd figure, reached with the caveat that Mayweather would get the drug-testing concession he sought.
To make the drug-testing issue go away, the excessive weight penalty might have to vanish, too.
E-mail David Mayo: dmayo@grpress.com
Source: mlive.com
The one remaining issue in the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao negotiations has bloomed into several, although an arbiter will attempt to resolve them Tuesday in a last-gasp effort to save the proposed March 13 fight.
These are the key issues that could be discussed as representatives for both fighters, the attorney representing Pacquiao, and a retired federal judge who will attempt to help find middle ground, prepare to meet in suburban Los Angeles:
1. Drug testing
As the central issue of the hearing in his office at Santa Monica, Calif., arbiter Daniel Weinstein will have to resolve whether there is sufficient reason to suggest drug testing beyond that typically administered by the Nevada Athletic Commission for fights in that state.
The Mayweather camp's demand for random, Olympic-style drug testing, via blood sampling, stalled a negotiation that seemed fast-tracked for completion by mid-December.
All other key issues -- money, weight, venue -- were resolved quickly.
When the Mayweather side upped the ante by suggesting NAC's urine testing was not comprehensive enough, it sparked a firestorm which has lingered for more than three weeks and threatens to undermine the fight.
Pacquiao balked at blood testing within 30 days of the fight, saying it would weaken him, even though experts in the field say that's absurd. His reluctance spawned bountiful speculation about why he didn't just accept the terms.
Mayweather refused to relent, however, which drew the ire of boxing fans who want to see the deal come to completion and don't believe special rules are necessary for this fight.
2. Contrition
Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter, said last week that his side wants an apology from the Mayweather side before going forward. He said the Filipino fighter's reputation has been irreparably tarnished by the Mayweather side's insinuation -- and in at least one case, an outright accusal -- that Pacquaio uses performance-enhancing drugs.
As to who actually made such accusation, Floyd Mayweather Sr. absolutely did, while others may or may not have. That's up to a court to decide, since Pacquiao filed a federal lawsuit to that end just last week.
If the drug-testing issue itself can be worked out, a relatively tepid statement by the Mayweather camp that it regrets the way this all went down is not out of the question.
After all, there are $40 million or so, give or take, for each fighter to gross in this extravaganza.
3. A settlement
If Pacquiao gets some bend from the Mayweather camp on the drug-testing issue and the apologhy demand, he will have to drop the lawsuit.
The action was brought last Wednesday, in a Nevada federal court, seeking unspecified damages in excess of $75,000 (the minimum amount required in such a filing), with defendants Mayweather, Mayweather Sr., Roger Mayweather, Mayweather Promotions, and Golden Boy Promotions honchos Oscar De La Hoya and Richard Schaefer.
To reach a deal on anything else, the lawsuit has to go away.
4. Weight
Pacquiao got Mayweather to agree to a usurious $10 million contractual penalty for any pound, or fraction thereof, more than 147 pounds that the Grand Rapids native might weigh.
It's an absurd figure, reached with the caveat that Mayweather would get the drug-testing concession he sought.
To make the drug-testing issue go away, the excessive weight penalty might have to vanish, too.
E-mail David Mayo: dmayo@grpress.com
Source: mlive.com
PACQUIAO SUPPORTERS WANT AT&T TO STOP MAYWEATHER -- PhilBoxing
By Ronnie Nathanielsz, PhilBoxing.com
Supporters of pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao are circulating an online petition asking AT&T Inc. and other prospective sponsors to "discontinue and forgo all endorsement relationships" with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
The petition initiated by Kevin Riley a contributor to the website Bleacher Report followed what Riley said was an all-out smear campaign against the Filipino boxing champion and the Philippines.
AT&T recently cancelled its sponsorship deal with golfing great Tiger Woods following a scandal involving his infidelity.
The petition which is addressed to Randall L. Stephenson, Chairman and CEO, AT&T Inc., vehemently objected to the accusations made by Mayweather, his father, Floyd Mayweather Sr and top executives of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya and Richard Schaefer and Mayweather promotions all of whom face a lawsuit filed by crack attorney Daniel Petrocelli on behalf of the Filipino boxing icon.
The petition refers to the accusations of cheating leveled against Pacquiao by the use of performance-enhancing drugs while also accusing the Philippines of being the producers of the best performance enhancing drugs.
Pacquiao's response to these claims:
"I maintain and assure everyone that I have not used any form or kind of steroids and that my way to the top is a result of hard work, hard work, hard work and a lot of blood spilled from my past battles in the ring, not outside of it. I have no idea what steroids look like and my fear in God has kept me safe and victorious through all these years."
Over 1,500 individuals had already signed the online petition to the AT&T CEO which states, . “We are writing to express the deep concerns we have with one of your representatives, Floyd Mayweather Jr. Mr. Mayweather as you know is a professional boxer. He has a tentatively scheduled bout on March 13th, 2010 with Manny Pacquiao, another professional boxer from the Philippines.
For reasons unbeknownst to us, Mr. Mayweather, his father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., his adviser, Leonard Ellerbe and his promoter, Golden Boy Promotions have decided to engage in a smear campaign against Mr. Pacquiao. Their efforts have included press releases, interviews and internet blogs. And their unfounded, unwarranted and unjustified accusations have all centered around the illegal use of steroids, human growth hormones & other chemicals.
Mr. Pacquiao has never before been accused of using the aforementioned products and he has passed every drug test that he has ever been administered throughout the course of his career. Yet this did not stop Mr. Mayweather and his associates from engaging in cowardly, malicious and defaming tactics against him.
Up until this point, Mr. Pacquiao has enjoyed the fruits of a pristine image everywhere he has gone throughout the Philippines and the world. An image which he established through hard work and dedication to his God, his Country and his fans. He will no longer be able to enjoy the fruits of his hard-earned image thanks to Mr. Mayweather and his associates.
These claims which bring into question Mr. Pacquiao's character, honesty and integrity become even more damaging when you take into account the fact he is currently seeking public office in his native Philippines.
In response to their actions, Mr. Pacquiao has decided to immediately file a defamation suit against Mr. Mayweather and his associates.
And in response to those same actions, we are now formally asking you to discontinue and forgo all endorsement relationships, and future endorsement relationships, with Mr. Mayweather and his associates.
We believe there is no place in the world of sport, nor the world in general for this type of behavior. And we earnestly hope that you will also find there is no place for this type of behavior in your upstanding organization as well. ”
Source: philboxing.com
Supporters of pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao are circulating an online petition asking AT&T Inc. and other prospective sponsors to "discontinue and forgo all endorsement relationships" with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
The petition initiated by Kevin Riley a contributor to the website Bleacher Report followed what Riley said was an all-out smear campaign against the Filipino boxing champion and the Philippines.
AT&T recently cancelled its sponsorship deal with golfing great Tiger Woods following a scandal involving his infidelity.
The petition which is addressed to Randall L. Stephenson, Chairman and CEO, AT&T Inc., vehemently objected to the accusations made by Mayweather, his father, Floyd Mayweather Sr and top executives of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya and Richard Schaefer and Mayweather promotions all of whom face a lawsuit filed by crack attorney Daniel Petrocelli on behalf of the Filipino boxing icon.
The petition refers to the accusations of cheating leveled against Pacquiao by the use of performance-enhancing drugs while also accusing the Philippines of being the producers of the best performance enhancing drugs.
Pacquiao's response to these claims:
"I maintain and assure everyone that I have not used any form or kind of steroids and that my way to the top is a result of hard work, hard work, hard work and a lot of blood spilled from my past battles in the ring, not outside of it. I have no idea what steroids look like and my fear in God has kept me safe and victorious through all these years."
Over 1,500 individuals had already signed the online petition to the AT&T CEO which states, . “We are writing to express the deep concerns we have with one of your representatives, Floyd Mayweather Jr. Mr. Mayweather as you know is a professional boxer. He has a tentatively scheduled bout on March 13th, 2010 with Manny Pacquiao, another professional boxer from the Philippines.
For reasons unbeknownst to us, Mr. Mayweather, his father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., his adviser, Leonard Ellerbe and his promoter, Golden Boy Promotions have decided to engage in a smear campaign against Mr. Pacquiao. Their efforts have included press releases, interviews and internet blogs. And their unfounded, unwarranted and unjustified accusations have all centered around the illegal use of steroids, human growth hormones & other chemicals.
Mr. Pacquiao has never before been accused of using the aforementioned products and he has passed every drug test that he has ever been administered throughout the course of his career. Yet this did not stop Mr. Mayweather and his associates from engaging in cowardly, malicious and defaming tactics against him.
Up until this point, Mr. Pacquiao has enjoyed the fruits of a pristine image everywhere he has gone throughout the Philippines and the world. An image which he established through hard work and dedication to his God, his Country and his fans. He will no longer be able to enjoy the fruits of his hard-earned image thanks to Mr. Mayweather and his associates.
These claims which bring into question Mr. Pacquiao's character, honesty and integrity become even more damaging when you take into account the fact he is currently seeking public office in his native Philippines.
In response to their actions, Mr. Pacquiao has decided to immediately file a defamation suit against Mr. Mayweather and his associates.
And in response to those same actions, we are now formally asking you to discontinue and forgo all endorsement relationships, and future endorsement relationships, with Mr. Mayweather and his associates.
We believe there is no place in the world of sport, nor the world in general for this type of behavior. And we earnestly hope that you will also find there is no place for this type of behavior in your upstanding organization as well. ”
Source: philboxing.com
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