USADA responds: We bear no prejudice, bias against Manny Pacquiao -- Examiner

By Michael Marley, Examiner.com

USADA's zealot bossman, the lawyer Travis Tygart, is on a summer vacation but I was able to speak at length with the drug testing agency's s media relations manager, Annie Skinner, twice on Monday concerning Manny Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum's proclamation that his side will accept fully random blood testing if WADA, the world anti-doping organization handles it.

There is a continuing perception in the Pacman camp, according to Arum, that the Tygart-led agency, based in Colorado Springs, is uncomfortably close with American Mayweather. Such raw feelings have been made worse by Tygart's public references to Mayweather as "the clean athlete."

In Tygart's absence, Skinner assured me that USADA does not prejudge whether any athlete, domestic or foreign, is cheating by using banned drugs. Allegations have continually been made about Pacquiao using EPO and maybe other banned substances although no one has ever come up with a scintilla of evidence. Meanwhile, Pacman's defemation lawsuit against "Money" Mayweather continues.

"We certainly do not have a bias against any athlete," Skinner said. "We do not have a bias (favoring) one athlete over another. All athletes are presumed to be clean until such time as they are proven otherwise.

"But, when it comes to drug testing, USADA, which is a signatory to WADA rules, regulations and procedures, is the gold standard for sports in the United States. We completely adhere to all the international standards as promulgated by WADA."

She said that perhaps Arum has a misperception of how WADA operates, explaining "does not do any actual testing, they do not have the infrastructure to do that. You take (world soccer body) FIFA, the Swimming Federation and others...they are all signatories to WADA. What WADA does is contract out (the testing) to recognized doping control agencies in the different countries."

I asked Skinner if hypothetically a third party doping control laboratory or organization might be agreed to, thus overcoming Team Pacquiao's objections to USADA, which Arum branded as "not neutral" in this matter.

"No other organization in the US does the type of gold standard testing that that we do. Personally, at least, I've never heard of any third party organization that performs the WADA approved standards to the same degree that we do," Skinner said.

Obviously, the two camps could make an agreement as to a different testing agency if they chose to do so.

With a bonanza fight in which it is speculated that both Mayweather and Pacquiao can gross up to $50 million, you would think that there is some middle ground that the two fighter's camps can reach here.

Does anyone think that Joe Fan really gives a hoot as which anti-doping agency does the testing as long it is all done fair and impartially?

Has Arum moved the ball forward here or is this going to further block the so-called "Dream Fight."

It could turn out to be that in the ring and in the final money count but with constantly failed and stalled negotiations it continues to be a nightmare to make.

(mlcmarley@aol.com)

Source: examiner.com

Floyd Mayweather Will Be Back In Court In March, Still Insists He Will Fight Pacquiao -- Eastside Boxing

By James Slater, Eastside Boxing

Floyd Mayweather Junior continues to make the news; mostly outside of the boxing ring. Minutes ago, news broke of how the 33-year-old superstar was in attendance at Las Vegas Justice Court - there because of the eight misdemeanour and felony charges that stem from his alleged dispute with girlfriend and mother of two of his three children, Josie Harris in September.

Mayweather’s attorney today asked for a continuance of the case, and the judge agreed, resetting the trial for March 10th..

From a purely boxing standpoint, it now looks unlikely that Mayweather will be in any condition to fight again in the early to middle part of this year, if at all in 2010. With all the legal issues on his mind (Mayweather, according to The Las Vegas Sun, will be back in court for the misdemeanour battery charge involving a Las Vegas security guard, in February), the last thing “Money” is calling an important issue is improving on his 41-0 fight record.

However, somewhat ironically, Mayweather did release a video statement over the weekend, on his Ustream account. The short message Floyd released makes it clear he does have Pac-Man on his mind still - even though he has nothing good to say about the Pound-for-Pound king.

“I’m never gonna let my fans down,” Floyd said. “That’s the reason I’m 41-0. Don’t worry, we’re gonna beat Poochiao’s ass. Stop asking the same question. ‘When are you gonna fight Poochiao?’ I’m gonna fight the Pac-Man - when he’s off the power pellets.”

As fans can see, Mayweather - who will turn 34 a month before his next appearance in court happens - remains as boisterous as ever when it comes to the Filipino legend. But will Floyd ever face Manny, what with all the legal issues he has on his plate? And as to “Money’s” statement about fighting Pacquiao, “when he’s off the power pellets (steroids)” - that issue alone remains one of the most contentious in current boxing.

For as long as Mayweather accuses Pacquiao of taking illegal substances, and for as long as Pac-Man refuses to adhere to the tests Floyd insists he take to as to prove his innocence, we will not see the mega-fight we all want to see.

Pac-Man has recently said he will continue to fight until 2012/13. But will Mayweather have ironed out his legal troubles AND agreed to the pre-fight tests Pacquiao has himself agreed to take by then?

Would a betting man place any serious money on ever seeing the “Dream Fight” take place?

Source: eastsideboxing.com

Sergio Martinez Would Drop Weight For Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao -- FanHouse

By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse

WBC middleweight (160 pounds) titlist Sergio Martinez is willing to drop weight if it means a shot at six-time champ Floyd Mayweather or eight-division champion, Manny Pacquiao's, WBC junior middleweight (154 pounds) belt in a clash of southpaws, the Argentinian-born fighter said on Wednesday.

"If Manny is willing to defend his WBC super welterweight title, I would come down to 154 pounds to challenge him for it as well as allow him to challenge me for my WBC middleweight title," said the 35-year-old Martinez, who is 46-2-2, with 25 knockouts. "

"It would be the opportunity of a lifetime," said Martinez in a prepared statement. "But I'm a realist, and if he feels that he is physically too small to fight me, I certainly understand that too."

On Nov. 13, the 31-year-old Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 knockouts) scored a lopsided, unanimous decision victory over ex-titlist Antonio Margarito (38-7, 27 KOs) for the junior middleweight crown that was vacated by Martinez at Cowboys Stadium, earning his eighth crown over as many different weight classes, and his 13th straight win with eight knockouts during that run.
A week later in an HBO-televised clash of southpaws on Nov. 20, Martinez scored a shocking, second-round knockout over challenger Paul Williams (39-2, 27 knockouts), who was ranked No. 3 on most lists among the best fighters pound-for-pound in the sport behind Mayweather (41-0, 25 KOs) and Pacquiao, who is also the holder of the WBO welterweight (147 pounds) crown.

Martinez had become the WBC middleweight champion by dethroning Kelly Pavlik with April's unanimous decision.

Martinez, his promoter, Lou DiBella, and his manager, Sampson Lewkowicz, believe that a Pacquiao-Martinez fight would be a mismatch, with Lewkowicz saying that Martinez would win by knockout.

Pacquiao's promoter, Top Rank CEO, Bob Arum, disagreed, saying that he believed that Pacquaio would win.

DiBella said that he would like to see Martinez against either Pacquiao or Mayweather to decide which fighter is the sport's best, pound-for-pound.

"In my opinion, a valid argument can be made for all three, so let's just number them 1A, 1B and 1C. But I sure would like to see them prove who the best is inside the ring, and Sergio is ready to concede his weight advantage to do it," said DiBella. "Sergio is willing to fight next at 154 pounds -- defending his WBC middleweight title as well as fighting for the WBC super welterweight title."

As for Mayweather?

"Sergio is ready, willing and able. There is a lot of confidence behind his matinee looks. The fans deserve Martinez vs. Mayweather, and boxing needs it to continue its growth into the mainstream," said DiBella. "I can work with any promoter to make the best fight with Sergio. It's business – good business – and common sense."

Source: boxing.fanhouse.com

Pacquiao Plans to Attack Early vs. Margarito -- Manila Bulletin

By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines — Declaring that he is nearly in peak form and almost ready to go, Manny Pacquiao said on Friday he will pounce on Antonio Margarito as soon as the bell sounds signaling the start of their scheduled 12-round world super-welterweight title fight on Nov. 13 in Dallas.

“Aatake kami sa first and second rounds,” Pacquiao told scribes on Friday after a workout done under the pouring morning rain at the Rizal Memorial track oval.

A day after capping his high-altitude training camp in Baguio City on full throttle, Pacquiao ranked his conditioning from a scale of 1 to 10 at “nine and a half,” something the 31-year-old pound-for-pound king hopes would calm the nerves of his concerned followers.

“Ready na tayo,” said Pacquiao, who, despite missing several roadworks and a couple of afternoon training sessions, affirmed he is right on track in reaching the desired level of conditioning by the time he answers the bell at Cowboys Stadium.

Before leaving Baguio Thursday afternoon, Pacquiao sparred 11 rounds with Amir Khan, Glen Tapia and Michael Medina that left a smile on the face of chief trainer Freddie Roach, who has been a tad worried on the progress of his prized puncher’s buildup.

Training assistant Buboy Fernandez also echoed his boss’ assessment.

“Nasa 90 percent na kami ngayon,” said Fernandez, who shares the training chores with Nonoy Neri under the strict supervision of Roach and conditioning coach and taskmaster Alex Ariza.

Drenched in a mix of perspiration and rain, Ariza presided over the wet workout, issuing orders like a general in the beaches of Normandy and making his presence truly felt when he ordered Pacquiao back to the tracks when the rains began to fall.

Pacquiao hesitated for a moment but gave in and finished all the drills that had been laid out as rains pelted the ground and onlookers and mediamen began scampering for cover.

Pacquiao will train in Metro Manila until Saturday afternoon and will board a Philippine Airlines flight for Los Angeles in the evening to kick off the final phase of his training at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood.

Roach said a couple of sparmates are eagerly awaiting Pacquiao’s arrival so they could test the mettle of the world’s No. 1 fighter.

Source: mb.com.ph

Mosley, Mora and fans all lose -- ESPN

By Dan Rafael, ESPN.com

LOS ANGELES -- Nobody won. Not Shane Mosley, not Sergio Mora and certainly not the fans, who suffered through their awful junior middleweight fight, which was declared a split draw on Saturday night at Staples Center.

The 13,591 fight fans at Golden Boy Promotions' Mexican bicentennial celebration card booed throughout the fight, except during brief bursts of action in the late rounds. Many rounds were close, because there was not nearly enough happening to satisfy the crowd, which cheered throughout the knockout-filled undercard.

When Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer joked about a rematch immediately after the fight, none of the ringside reporters laughed. Then he turned serious when asked what he thought.

"I think we had a great Saul Alvarez, a great Victor Ortiz and a great Daniel Ponce De Leon (who all won on the undercard) and the main event was what it was," Schaefer said.

In the end, the judges couldn't agree on a winner between the Southern California natives. Judge Kermit Bayless scored it 115-113 for Mora while David Denkin had it 116-112 for Mosley. Judge Lou Moret had it 114-114. ESPN.com scored it 117-111 for Mosley, who appeared quicker and busier and worked Mora's body very well.

"We both fought hard. It was a good fight, so it was a good decision," said Mosley, who tried to make points with the heavily Mexican crowd by wearing the green, red and white of Mexico's flag and having "Azucar" -- Spanish for his nickname "Sugar" -- stitched into his waistband. "He's not a big puncher, so he had to box more."

While Mora, a former junior middleweight titleholder and 2005 winner of "The Contender" reality series, claimed victory, he also said he essentially backed off because he thought he was winning.

Ever hear that one before?

"I came to win. I wanted to win but my respect for Shane got in my way," said Mora, 29, who split two title fights with Vernon Forrest, who beat Mosley twice. "I should have listened to my corner. They were telling me it was a close fight, but I thought I was winning the fight. So because of my respect for him, I loosened up and didn't want to hurt him.

"He threw really good punches. He hit me with some hard shots. He's a smart fighter. I think going 12 rounds with Shane Mosley says something in and of itself, but honestly I thought I won that fight."

If you examine the CompuBox statistics, Mosley had the edge. He landed 161 of 522 blows (31 percent) while Mora connected on just 93 of 508 punches (18 percent).

The result is not going to enhance either fighter's marketability.

Mosley (46-6-1, 39 KOs), the former lightweight, welterweight and junior middleweight champ, is 39 and was coming off a lopsided decision to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in May in the year's biggest fight.

Before the fight, Mosley said he hoped beating Mora would set him up for a fight with Manny Pacquiao or rematches with Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto.

But in his second subpar performance, the likely future Hall of Famer is clearly fading fast and those fights appear unlikely.

He chalked up his performance to struggling with a taller, bigger man. Mora (21-1-2, 6 KOs) was coming down from middleweight for the 154-pound fight and could not make weight. He was officially 157 pounds at Friday's weigh-in.

Mosley, who made $1 million, also received an additional $57,000 from Mora's $285,000 purse because he missed weight and was penalized 20 percent by the California State Athletic Commission.

While there will not be an HBO replay of the fight (be thankful), HBO Latino, the network's Spanish-language outlet, will air a replay, along with the Alvarez-Carlos Baldomir and Ortiz-Vivian Harris undercard fights, at 10 p.m. ET next Saturday.

Mosley was coming back up from welterweight, where he had fought his five previous fights. He used that to explain his performance.

"This is a different fight because he's a middleweight and coming down and I had to move up," Mosley said. "This would be different if I was fighting someone my same size and height."

Mosley opened a cut over Mora's right eye in the fourth round on an accidental head butt, but it did not appear to hamper Mora.

The fight was filled with wrestling and holding and Mora running from Mosley. There were times when Mora opened up with some right hands, but his punches never seemed to do any damage to Mosley, who looked very tired in the final two rounds.

"He moved and ran away a lot and rested and held," Mosley said. "There was also a lot of head butts and it really affected me. He was moving so much it was hard for me to get my shots off. I still want to fight someone my weight and my size like Cotto. He won't run as much."

Cotto outpointed Mosley in a razor-close welterweight title bout in 2007. Cotto moved up to junior middleweight and won a belt by stopping Yuri Foreman in June. He does not have a set opponent for his first defense, which is supposed to be Dec. 4.

However, a rematch with Mosley would likely be hard to make given the bad blood between Golden Boy and Cotto's promoter, Top Rank.

After Mosley's performance, however, would people even want to see it?

Maybe, maybe not. But certainly more than a rematch with Mora.

Dan Rafael is the boxing writer for ESPN.com. Follow him on Twitter @danrafaelespn.

Source: sports.espn.go.com

Time for Money Mayweather to shut up and fight -- Associated Press

By TIM DAHLBERG, The Associated Press

Give Floyd Mayweather Jr. credit for one thing. Like any great fighter, he knows when to turn and run.

A day after unleashing a racist rant against Manny Pacquiao that was insulting even by boxing standards, Mayweather was at it again. Surprisingly, this time it was to apologize.

"Forgive me for saying what I said," Mayweather said in yet another video. "I was just having fun. I didn't really mean it, nothing in a bad way."

Oh, what fun it was, for as long it lasted. Fighting words, from a man who refuses to fight.

But, hey, what did you really expect from Money May?

Not an apology, surely. With all the sycophants and yes men who surround Mayweather it's a wonder he was able to figure out that this time he had crossed the line from fun to just plain disgusting.

But cross it he had, in a 10-minute video that was racist, homophobic, and an insult to Filipinos everywhere.

If Mayweather's idea was to get people to back off criticism for him not fighting Pacquiao this fall, it didn't work. He still seems to be afraid of either the fight or the thought that he could actually lose.

But if his idea was to get Pacquiao's attention, he succeeded.

Pacquiao sat in his hotel room in Texas and watched Mayweather unleash every derogatory Asian stereotype he could come up with. Then he pressed the play button to watch it once more, his expression never changing.

The fighter in him probably wanted a shot at Mayweather right then and there. The politician in him thought better of it.

"It's an uneducated message," the congressman from the province of Sarangani said.

Pacquiao showed remarkable restraint, because it was far more than that. By proxy, Mayweather insulted an entire nation by going after the biggest sports hero the Philippines has ever known.

Of course, it could happen only in boxing, which has a long and colorful history of fighters unloading verbal abuse.

Joe Frazier still hasn't gotten over Muhammad Ali calling him an Uncle Tom nearly 40 years ago, and saying he was so ugly he should donate his face to the U.S. Department of Wildlife. Ali loved to taunt his opponents but sometimes crossed the line, like when he called Leon Spinks "Blackula" because he had no front teeth.

But Mayweather is no Ali. He's not clever, and there's nothing remotely funny about what he says.

Almost lost in Mayweather's video musings on everything from Pacquiao's height to his dining tastes was his proclamation that he is on a one-year vacation from boxing. When it's over, Mayweather says, he will gladly return to the ring and engage in fisticuffs with the distinguished congressman from the Philippines.

Actually, what he said was that he was going to "stomp the midget," then have Pacman "make me a sushi roll and cook me some rice." And that was the more vanilla part of the video.

But, hey, it's just Money May.

He was supposed to help save boxing, but all Mayweather has really done recently is help himself to your wallet. Given not one, but two, chances to give the sport the bout it desperately needs, he instead hides behind a webcam as Pacquiao traipses across the country promoting a fight with the disgraced Antonio Margarito that only Jerry Jones seems to want to see.

But while it was outrageous, it wasn't the most outlandish thing Mayweather has said recently. Not even close.

That came before his most recent fight with Shane Mosley when Mayweather proclaimed that he was the greatest fighter ever. Yes, he said, he was better than Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson or even Joe Louis.

Now that's a real laugher.

Sure, he's undefeated in 41 professional fights, a mark he's rightfully proud of. But Mayweather has carefully picked his opponents and fought so infrequently in recent years that his claim to greatness rings hollow.

Remember, too, that Mayweather never sold a ticket on his own until Oscar De La Hoya made him a star and HBO's "24/7" reality series about the wacky Mayweather clan became must-see TV.

Mayweather told me before the Mosley fight that it was all a charade, a bad-boy character built to make money — and lots of it. But if the gangsta act is an acting job, Mayweather should win an Oscar for the way he embraces the role.

For most boxing fans the real issue isn't Mayweather's ridiculous rant. Fights have been built around racial and national divides since Jack Johnson stopped Jim Jeffries a century ago and, as distasteful as they can be, will always be part of the sport.

But the Pacquiao-Mayweather matchup is so good it doesn't need any phony buildup. And what frustrates everyone in boxing these days is the strange unwillingness of Mayweather to give the sport the fight it desperately needs and deserves.

It's time Mayweather just shuts up and fights.

Tim Dahlberg is a national sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to him at tdahlberg(at)ap.org

Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Source: google.com

Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao on the same red carpet for the ESPYs?: Fighters nominated -- Examiner

By Jodi Jill, Examiner.com

Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao may see each other very soon after all. The 2010 ESPYs Awards, sponsored by ESPN, were announced with both fighters are nominated for the 2010 “Fighter of the Year” along with two other fighters.

So far nobody knows if either fighter will be at the Nokia Theatre LA LIVE in downtown Los Angeles, but fans would love to see it. Of course there won't be any of the smack talk that either of them could dish up, but there would be plenty of stares complete with the celebrity photos that makes any entertainer blush.

The evening will be all about sports, but taking the tools of the entertainment business, there will be lots of red carpet, photographers and even a few interviews before the ceremony begins. Then once it starts it will be all about the awards for the best of the best. Sports has no other award show like the ESPYs and the fans just love it.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao on the same red carpet? Who wouldn't dream of that happening?

Source: examiner.com

Pacquiao in Forbes’ most ‘powerful’ list -- Manila Bulletin

By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin

Manny Pacquiao made it to the 100 World’s Most Powerful Celebrities for the second straight year on a list made byForbes magazine.

Pacquiao was listed at No. 55 with an earning totaling $42 million (roughly P1.9-billion) from fights with Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto and Ghanaian Joshua Clottey that covered the period July 2009 to June 2010.

His ranking is a rung better than last year.

Interestingly, Floyd Mayweather was ranked higher – No. 31 – with earnings reaching $65 million from fights with Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez and fellow US fighter Shane Mosley.

Topping the list is TV show host Oprah Winfrey with $315 million, while the highest-rated athlete is golfer Tiger Woods with $105 million.

The ratings were based on the celebrity’s standing in earnings, TV/Radio, press, web and social rank.

Pacquiao and Mayweather’s ranking would take another notch higher in the event a proposed November 13 fight between the two of them materializes.

Their handlers are still in talks for the fight that will likely be staged in Las Vegas.

Source: mb.com.ph

Comedian pokes light fun of Floyd Mayweather, Jr (Video) -- Examiner

By Marv Dumon, Examiner.com

San Antonio, Texas - Boxing is a serious sport, but on occassion it is good to enjoy some good, lighthearted, harmless fun.

Comedian Kevin Hart poked some light fun at undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr (41-0) and his trainer Roger Mayweather in a recent YouTube video.

In the sketch, Hart and his associate infuse a dose of humor into the boxer's popular training regimen, including Mayweather's routine on the mitts.

Hart is currently on a North American tour doing stand-up comedy shows at various clubs.

The video prompted Floyd to comment on his Facebook page:

Everybody go check out Kevin trying to be me. This dude is funny!

Mayweather also posted a Break.com video of a kid "getting owned" by a speedbag. "This kid should watch a few of my training videos."




EMBED-Kid Loses Fight To Speed Bag - Watch more free videos

Source: examiner.com

Holyfield says Pacquiao bigger draw than Floyd -- ABS-CBN News

abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA, Philippines – Boxing great Evander "The Real Deal" Holyfield agreed with the camp of “Fighter of the Decade” Manny Pacquiao that Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s demand for a 60-40 cut in revenues “won’t work”.

Holyfield, a 5-time world boxing champion who figured in a controversial match with Mike Tyson, said Pacquiao is expected to draw more people into a fight than Mayweather, which is why the latter doesn’t deserve the “bigger cut of the pie”.

“Pacquiao has a big crowd of people that wants to see him win because of his good attitude,” Holyfield told Brad Cooney of 8Countnews.com.

The boxing legend said one reason for the boxing community's interest in a Pacquiao-Mayweather match is that it's shaping up as a battle between “good and bad”.

“When people see Pacquiao, they look at him as the good guy, they want to see him win morally. These are the people that don't like Mayweather, so what makes this fight big is the ultimate good and evil,” he said.

Holyfield is best remembered for his heavyweight clashes with Tyson, whom he stopped by technical knockout in their 1996 match to win the World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight crown.

They had a rematch the year after, which ended in a controversial fashion after Tyson bit him in both ears in the 3rd round. A portion of Holyfield's right ear was bitten off.

"The Real Deal" remains a world champion at 47, currently holding the World Boxing Federation (WBF) heavyweight title.

Mayweather has skills; Pacquiao courage

Holyfield thinks that while Mayweather is better than Pacquiao in terms of boxing skills, the Filipino champ’s courageousness could make Floyd an “erstwhile undefeated fighter”.

“On paper you always give it to Mayweather, but on personal ability and in a guy that fights through and through, you would say Pacquiao. This is what makes this fight a toss up,” he said.

"Whoever he fights, he gives it his all. He's not gong to go in there and just put on a show that's not productive. I don't think that 60-40 is going to work," Holyfield added.

He also frowned on his fellow American’s indirect accusation claiming that Pacquiao’s boxing success has been fueled by drug use.

Mayweather's camp had demanded an Olympic-style drug testing which Pacquiao opposed. This led to the collapse of their earlier negotiations. The Filipino later gave in to the demand, agreeing to undergo blood testing 14 days before the fight.

“Why bring that steroid thing up? Either sit on the pot, or get off of the pot... If Manny is on something, they will catch him, but Mayweather don't make up the rules. Either fight the guy, or don't,” said Holyfield.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

Will it always be Mayweather's fault? -- Eastside Boxing

By Robert Jackson, Eastside Boxing

Despite the so called ‘gag’ order many of the terms of the negotiations seem to be leaking out. These leaks seems to disparage Mayweather’s positions towards making the big fight scheduled for the fall 2010. Top Rank Boss Bob Arum and GBP CEO Richard Schaefer proclaimed a media blackout for the making of this fight citing “we don’t want to negotiate in the media”. A few weeks ago it was announced by some unnamed Team Pacquiao members that Pacquiao had agreed to a 14 day cutoff for blood testing, followed up by a corroboration by the Top Rank boss who said “The ball was now in Mayweather’s court”. No response was given or heard from Team Mayweather who seemed to be honoring the ‘gag’ order..

The next leak that occurred a few weeks or so later said that Mayweather was demanding a 60/40 split, this has since been corroborated by Pacquiao himself who has said he will not allow anything other than a 50/50 split. Mayweather has been mum.

2 weeks ago during a ‘Make-a-Wish’ event Floyd Mayweather Jr. during a media interview session said he may take a couple of years off from boxing. Top Rank Boss Arum, responded by saying that if that is the case he would wait until the official announcement was made, and that Mayweather should make such a announcement if it was his intention not to fight again this year.

Mayweather naysayers IMMEDIATELY jumped on the Mayweather interview as PROOF that Mayweather is afraid of and DOESN’T want to fight Pacquiao. Those SAME naysayers took Floyd’s words one step further and accused him of violating the ‘GAG’ order by saying them.

Just this week Pacquiao has said he won’t budge to any more of Mayweather’s demands, and further pressed his position that Mayweather is afraid to fight him. And again Team Mayweather SILENT.

Many of the SAME critics and naysayers who commended Lil’ Floyd for his dismantling of Shane Mosley – a fighter they SAID Floyd would NEVER fight, are back at it again, back at the HATING!! Many of those SAME critics and naysayers FAIL to see that through ALL of these current negotiations ONLY ONE side has consistently VIOLATED the agreed upon ‘GAG’ order – TEAM PACQUIAO!!

Many of these SAME critics and naysayers donot see that the dynamics of the NEGOTIATIONS have swayed favorably in Lil’ Floyds direction. These same HATERS conveniently like to compare Pacquiao/Cotto PPV numbers to Mayweather/Mosley PPV numbers – dismissing the dismal PPV numbers of Pacquiao/Clottey to MAKE a case in Pacquiao’s favor. Those SAME HATERS will also compare Pacquiao/Cotto PPV numbers to Mayweather/Marquez PPV numbers!! These same HATERS fail to QUESTION Pacquiao’s motives since he NOW has agreed to a 14 day cutoff for current drug testing; if he can do it now, WHY DIDN’T he do it for the PREVIOUS negotiations??

Mayweather has said previous to the ‘GAG’ order that a 14 day cutoff was FOR the LAST NEGOTIATIONS, for these NEGOTIATIONS, random blood testing up to and including the day of the fight would be par for the course. Mayweather also said that if the PPV numbers for Mayweather/Mosley were big enough compared to Pacquiao/Clottey a 50/50 split would not be possible, the PPV numbers WERE 2 – times those of Pacquiao/Clottey and the total revenue dwarfed that of Pacquiao/Clottey!

Jeff Mayweather Uncle of the P4P Picasso, said it clearly recently, that if this fight falls through it will not be his nephews fault, the fault should be placed squarely on Pacquiao’s shoulders. So I ask, “Will it always be Mayweather’s fault??”

Source: eastsideboxing.com

Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather, JR Waiting on Signatures to Finalized Contract -- Ringside Report

By “Bad” Brad Berkwitt, Ringside Report

On Wednesday, June 16th, RSR broke a major news story that the “Mega Fight” between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, JR. was a “Done Deal” with only signatures being needed on a finalized contract which was related by an inside source close to Team Mayweather. Since that time, Oscar De La Hoya has back pedaled on statements he made which backed up RSR’s inside source close to Team Mayweather along with, Bob Arum going on record giving ground about indications the fight is close to being made.

I must admit, this is brilliant on both Boxing Promoters to talk around the topic to add to the fervor our breaking story started in the boxing world last week. RSR was contacted yesterday from our source close to Team Mayweather who said, “This fight is just that, a “Done Deal” and within a few weeks or less, the signatures will be on the contract.”

As I have said from day one, this is a fight that really needs no more hype and will break all records to date for a live boxing match. The fighters make a mint, their promoters make a mint, and the boxing fans, walk away from a fight that has the potential to be one of the best matches in boxing history, with two fighters, still in their prime with outstanding skills to back up their claim to fame. No matter how you rate them at number one or number two, make no mistake, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, JR., are the two best fighters in boxing today!

Source: ringsidereport.com

The Oscar De La Hoya Slip Up: Floyd Mayweather JR – Manny Pacquiao Done Deal? -- Ringside Report

By Geno McGahee, Ringside Report

One of the most powerful men in boxing and a man that has had a stake in many of the major fights of the last 15 years, Oscar De La Hoya, was reportedly quoted to say that the mega fight between Floyd Mayweather, JR., and Manny Pacquiao is “very close” to completion. A source close to Team Mayweather has also reported to RSR that the specifics have been ironed out and that the only thing that remains is the contract signing and subsequent announcement of the fight. Is it too good to be true?

After Pacquiao’s destruction of Miguel Cotto and Floyd’s dismantling of Juan Manuel Marquez, the two agreed to a showdown with big money on the line as well as the legacy of both men. Floyd Mayweather, SR., made an observation that turned the bout on its head. He suspected that Manny Pacquiao was on steroids.

Steroids are a problem in every competitive sport and it is not a surprise that it is rampant. With millions of dollars are at stake, people will go to extreme measures. Antonio Margarito is a good example of what a fighter will do to get the competitive edge, loading his hand wraps with plaster of Paris. There have also been consistent rumors that the late Diego Corrales and Marco Antonio Barrera have also implemented the loaded hand wraps throughout their careers.

Although loading gloves seems to be isolated incidents, steroid abuse is a much larger issue. James “Lights Out” Toney, the former middleweight, super middleweight, cruiserweight, and heavyweight champion has tested positive for steroids on more than one occasion. Sugar Shane Mosley admitted using steroids, Fernando Vargas was banned temporarily after testing positive, Jameel McCline, Evander Holyfield, and the list goes on and on of the boxers reportedly “juicing.”

So will the steroids allegations make this fight a no-go again?

The issue isn’t the steroid testing, but the method in which the fighters are tested. Pacquiao’s claim is that the random Olympic style testing would drain him for the fight and I’m sure that they can cite Shane Mosley’s horrible performance against Mayweather in his last fight as evidence. Mayweather wants to employ this testing to overcome the boxers’ ability to avoid testing positive. Many know how to play the game and avoiding a positive test can be accomplished even as a user. That is the point of Team Mayweather and they have some ground to stand on.

Pacquiao may be his own worst enemy. His ability to climb weight divisions and apparently get stronger and more effective as he puts on pounds has raised some red flags, either justly or unjustly. Floyd, SR., watched on as Manny destroyed Miguel Cotto and made the allegation because of how great he looked in the ring. Cotto made some comments that he didn’t rule out that Pacquiao was on steroids and should agree to the Olympic testing.

Recently Kermit Cintron has come out and stated that Pacquiao’s jump in weight and physical appearance and strength suggest that he may be juicing. It is not just the Mayweathers suggesting this and should the fight come off and Manny win, the question will linger.

To save the fight of the century, Pacquiao should agree to the Olympic style testing, and with all the money on the line, it’s hard to fathom why he wouldn’t. What is interesting about the current negotiations is that this point has apparently not thrown a wrench in the works just yet. You can draw the conclusion that this situation, the only situation that prevented them from fighting earlier, has been resolved one way or another.

Because of the gag order put into place to protect this fight’s negotiations from outside influence, mum is the word, but De La Hoya gave everyone a small window into the ongoing talks. This fight is worth far too much money for it not to happen and there hasn’t been a fight of this magnitude in years. Arguably, the last fight that can compare to this was the showdown in 1999 between undefeated welterweight champions: Felix Trinidad and Oscar De La Hoya. The anticipation was at an all time high and now, I believe it to be even higher for this showdown. It has everything that you would want as a boxing fan.

Floyd Mayweather, JR., has been responsible for some of the biggest selling pay per view events, and that is a testament to his ability to market himself. He has become the new Muhammad Ali. He is the man that you want to see lose…you want to see somebody shut his mouth, which is why a guy that is a defensive whiz with a mediocre punch can sell out arenas. His showdowns with Zab Judah, Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Shane Mosley were incredible successes. There aren’t many that go into these bouts hoping to see a defensive display. They hope that the opponent at least gives Floyd some scares and tests him because he is so much superior, or perceived to be superior, then all of the other pugilists in the game today.

Manny Pacquiao, the #2 pay per view attraction according to the numbers, earned his popularity through his performance in the ring. He is one of those fighters that love to fight. When he gets hit, he likes it, and becomes more aggressive. He has beaten up on many Mexican legends like Marco Antonio Barrera (twice), Erik Morales (2 out of 3 times) and Juan Manuel Marquez. He is one of only two men to stop Oscar De La Hoya (the other being a middleweight, Bernard Hopkins), outworked tough guy Joshua Clottey, and beat Miguel Cotto into submission. He is the Mike Tyson of today. You wonder just what can stop him…this is why a showdown with Floyd is necessary.

I don’t think that there are many that argue that Floyd and Manny are #1 and #2 pound for pound best in the world…you may argue which occupies top spot, but they are there at the two positions. Style-wise, this fight is perfect with an aggressor with lighting speed going against the defensive master with perfect timing.

The biggest fight in recent history is coming people. There isn’t much that can stop it now. Oscar De La Hoya let it slip that we are close to a deal and we have an alternate source that contacted RSR revealing that Oscar wasn’t off base. Floyd Mayweather, JR., will take on Manny Pacquiao in November, most likely in Las Vegas. There is no bigger fight.

Source: ringsidereport.com

It's not Manny Pacquiao's BWAA awards that hurts Boxing, it's the Mayweathers that hurt boxing -- Examiner

By Rick Rockwell, Examiner.com

The latest comments by Floyd Mayweather Sr have officially cemented his status as "mentally insane" in my opinion. You'd think that we'd be used to the personal attacks toward Manny Pacquiao, but it seems that these Mayweathers keep outdoing their previous comments. In Floyd Sr's latest illogical rant, he says that not only doesn't Manny deserve to be fighter of the decade, but his winning of this prestigious award is what hurts boxing. Let's examine Floyd Sr's comments further:

The following Floyd Mayweather Sr quotes are from an interview with Fighthype.com:

'What award they gonna give my son when he whoops Pacquiao'

First of all, we're not even sure if Floyd Mayweather Jr will fight Manny Pacquiao. Last we heard, Floyd Jr was taking 1-2 years off. Personally, I wish Floyd Mayweather Sr would take 1-2 years off from talking to the media. But, if Floyd Jr does win, the he would deserve pound-for-pound best fighter and potentially the BWAA's 'Fighter of the Year" award.

Once again insults Manny

Floyd Mayweahter Sr, doesn't just believe Manny shouldn't have won the award, he goes onto publicly insult the man:

"Pacquiao ain't no fu*king fighter of the decade. He is a pu*sy,"
I would love for Floyd Mayweather Sr to back up this comment with something logical. Manny has fought tougher fights throughout his career than any member of the Mayweather family.

Comparing Records

"Pacquiao has 2 draws and a loss in this decade. Lil Floyd is undefeated in this decade and in his career. On top of that, Pacquiao beat 2 guys Lil Floyd already beat and struggled twice with a guy Floyd blanked out 12 rounds to nothing," Mayweather Sr.

Floyd fought 7 less fights, won less titles, and retired for over 1 year in the decade. How does that justify "Fighter of the Decade" honors. Also, Floyd Jr fought an older and much smaller Juan Manuel Marquez last year. How about we actually compare what the Floyd Jr and Manny did against Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton since Floyd Sr brought it up?

Manny Pacquiao thoroughly dominated both fighters and sent both Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton into permanent retirement. Mayweahter Jr had to go into the late rounds just to get a victory. If you look at the performances from these fights, they clearly favor Pacquiao. It's a foolish argument from a foolish man.

Hurting Boxing

"That's the kind of sh*t that hurts boxing. It makes no sense. Too many people in the sport don't know what the fu*k's going on. That kind of sh*t right there is why boxing stays on the ropes" Mayweather Sr, Fighthype.com

What actually hurts boxing is having people like the Mayweathers publicly bashing another fighter. What actually hurts boxing is having people like Floyd Mayweather Jr only care about "money" and publicly denying his interest in the fans. What actually hurts boxing is having the Mayweathers falsely accuse Manny Pacquiao of taking PEDs.

I can keep going. What hurts boxing is how the Mayweathers discriminate and make racial comments toward Manny Pacquiao and Filipinos. What hurts boxing is having people like the Mayweathers commit felony crimes like assaulting women and drug possession.

What hurts boxing is people like the Mayweathers who tell the public that they're going to clean up the sport of boxing from cheaters and drug usage, but once they collect their paycheck they run back to their holes and forget all about their supposed "drug crusade".

Conclusion

For the life of me, I don't understand how these individuals can continue to bash Manny Pacquiao without any legal repercussions. They have no regard for the lawsuit hanging over their heads. The constant attacks are becoming increasingly disturbing with each foul-mouthed comment. Whatever logical or legitimate concern that they might have had has been destroyed by ignorant and discriminating attacks.

Source: examiner.com

Dela Hoya: "Megafight is almost a done deal" -- Manila Bulletin

By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin

In a shocking revelation, Oscar De La Hoya, whose promotional outfit represents Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the negotiations to stage a November 13 fight with Manny Pacquiao, told the Spanish TV station Univision that the superfight is close to being done.

"Up until now, it’s been a very difficult negotiation process for various reasons but right now we’re very close,” De La Hoya said in Spanish and translated by fight scribe John Chavez of boxingtruth.com.

The interview took place before the Game Four of the NBA Finals at Staples Center in Los Angeles and De La Hoya, who heads Golden Boy Promotions (GBP), added that “we’re very close in finalizing the contracts that were once very complicated.”

Since there is no other fight to make but pit Pacquiao and Mayweather together, De La Hoya said “the two fighters now realize that this fight must be made.”

“It has to be made because the boxing fans want to see it happen and right now it’s the biggest fight that can be made in the world,” said De La Hoya, who lost to Mayweather by decision in 2007 and to Pacquiao when he quit on his stool in 2008.

“I think right now we are very, very close in finalizing the contracts. I can’t talk right now in detail about the negotiations but I will say that we are very close,” added De La Hoya.

The past several weeks, the camps of Pacquiao and Mayweather have been mum about the status of talks regarding the fight.

The issue of random drug-testing and purse split are the talking points in the negotiations.

Source: mb.com.ph

Manny in Mexico -- FightNews

FightNews.com

The seven-time world Champion, Manny Pacquiao was received this afternoon by Ney González, the governor of the state of Nayarit, in a ceremony also attended by Mexican promoter Fernando Beltran. Pacquiao, who is enjoying a pleasant holiday with his family, said he’s happy to be in Mexico for the first time and appreciates the hospitality the Mexican people have had for him and his family. Manny will return home this week to get ready to assume his post as a congressman in his native Philippines.

Pacquiao also said he wants the fight against Floyd Mayweather in November and everything is in the hands of his promoter Bob Arum, CEO of Top Rank. “Mr. Arum is my promoter and will endeavor to ensure that the fight is done. I have no problems whatsoever if Arum says we will be ready to fight in November.”

Wearing the jersey of the Mexican soccer team, Pacquiao said he is rooting for Mecixo in the World Cup competition that starts this Friday. “Mexico is like my second country. The Mexican fans have always supported me in my great fights and the least I can do is thank them and support the Mexico team,” he said.

Source: fightnews.com

Nevada Commission's Keith Kizer on USADA Random Drug Testing -- FanHouse

By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse

On Wednesday, the Nevada State Athletic Commission will hold a hearing addressing its protocol for drug testing in general, and for steroids and illegal drugs in particular, "as a follow-up from the commission's examination" of the issues during its September 30, 2008, meeting, said director Keith Kizer.

The hearing is to involve input from various officials, including Travis Tygart, chief executive director of the United States Anti-Doping Agency, which implemented random testing of blood and urine on both Floyd Mayweather and Shane Mosley during the lead up to their May 1 clash won by Mayweather.

Mayweather had both blood and urine taken on March 22, April 1, April 13 and then on the night directly after the fight. Mayweather provided urine only on April 3, April 6, April 21 and April 24. Mosley provided both blood and urine on March 23, March 31, April 12 and directly after the bout on fight night. Mosley provided urine on April 3, April 6, April 21 and April 24.

Kizer spoke to FanHouse in this Q&A

FanHouse: What are the chances of random blood testing for steroids becoming a regular part of the protocol for the Nevada State Athletic Commission?

Keith Kizer: Right now, we don't do that. Whether or not that would change, somebody would have to make a damn good case for that to happen. But that's one of the reasons that we have this meeting on Wednesday.

FH: How often do you have these hearings or meetings involving steroids testing protocol?

Kizer: Well I had mentioned to you earlier that we had had one probably 18 months ago, in September of 2008, and that's something that we wanted to take a look at.

We had a lot of information from our last meeting from several doctors, for example, with Dr. Robert Voy, who used to be in charge of the United States Olympic Committee's drug testing policy.

And Dr. Voy had actually left there because he thought it was a little bit weak. So he resigned and he's one of the world's most knowledgeable experts. Dr. Raymond Kelly is out of Buffalo, New York, and he works for the state university out of Buffalo.

And Dr. Kelly is also a leading expert and he was brought in by Dr. Voy the last time. Dr. Louis Jambor came from Quest Diagnostics. Dr. Barry Sample is the main doctor at Quest. But Dr. Sample had gotten Dr. Jambor to call in on our last meeting, so the three of them -- Dr. Voy, Dr. Kelly and Dr. Jambor testified.

Lou Jambor is the director of toxicology testing on the West Coast for Quest Dianostics. Bill Bock was also able to send in some information. Bill Bock is the USADA's lawyer.

FH: What sort of information was helpful?

Kizer: They have a really good wallet card that they give the athletes, where one side shows you what's allowed, and the other, what's prohibited. So this last meeting, and the feedback that we received from it, we figured that it was definitely something where we wanted to take a look at it again.

It's been about 18 months, or a little bit past 18 months, so we figured that now would be a pretty good time again. What comes out of that meeting, I don't know. I'm just as interested as anyone else to hear from the experts.

FH: What was on the wallet cards?

Kizer: Well, for example, you see that steroids are always prohibited. Alcohol is only prohibited during competition. So it's a very good card. In fact, we were sent a bunch of copies of that to link it to our website.

FH: Can you give the website address where the general public can retreive information on what is and is not legal?

Kizer: If you go to our website, you will see there is a thing that says FAQ, which means, Frequently Asked Questions. And you'll see midway through the FAQ, drug testing, and there's direct links to our information and to the World Anti-Doping Association lists and the wallet card that we were talking about. The website is http://boxing.nv.gov/New_FAQ.htm

FH: Were you given any explanation as to why Floyd Mayweather and Shane Mosley were not blood-tested closer than within 18 days of their fight?

Kizer: We were never given any explanation about that. You would have to ask Travis Tygart that or Richard Schaefer or Leonard Ellerbe or someone else that question. I don't know why they did that after making such a big deal about it.

You'd have to ask them. I've not talk to anyone at Golden Boy or someone from Mayweather's camp. Travis Tygart has told me that they could have done a blood test at any time and at any day or every day of training camp. But they only did four.

And this is Travis talking, 'It just so happened that the last one for each guy was more than two weeks out.' But they could have done it 10 days out, they could have done it five days out, they could have done it two days out.

That's what he's telling me. I have no evidence one way or the other on that.

FH: What is your feeling about what turns out to look like a window where there was no blood testing?

Kizer: I really have no feeling about it. The good thing, I guess, is that if you do it closer, you do run the risk of nicking a vein or infecting the arm, or something along those lines. Bruising the arm is something that might have caused the fight to be called off.

Whether or not that was the reason they didn't do it closer, I don't know. You'd have to ask them. It may be, it may not be. That's completely up to them to decide when and when not to do their blood test. That was a private contract that we didn't get involved with.

But that went on, and everybody tested negative, and that was the good news. I also understand that everyone passed their USADA tests, so that was great. So congratulations to all of the athletes. It was great that the fight was able to happen.

FH: Did anything more conclusive for you come out of USADA's involvement in the blood testing for Floyd Mayweather-Shane Mosley?

Kizer: The good news is that we had a meeting with USADA at the end of March. Pat Lundvall, the chairman of the Nevada Commission, and I had a meeting with their chief medical officer, Dr. Larry Bowers, and, Travis Tygart. They came to Pat Lundvall's office and we met with them for a few hours.

We gave them some thoughts on how we thought USADA could do a better job, and they gave us some thoughts on how they thought that the athletic commission could do a better job. It was a very fruitful meeting.

Unfortunately, Travis told us that 'Our hands our kind of tied by WADA. We have to follow what WADA says or we'd lose their acreditation.' With the Nevada Commission, we don't have to worry about that.

If we think that there's a better way to do it, we're not hamstrung by WADA. However, I think that there is a lot that we can learn from WADA and USADA. We have a more limited situation because of our budget.

But they have been very helpful, and that's what this meeting is for, to examine ways that we can perhaps improve our drug testing protocol. At the end of the day, no one knows everything. So we want to hear some of the things from the experts.

It's interesting to hear some of the different tricks people play, be it from blood doping to EPO or other things as well. It's good to hear sort of the war stories from the guys in the field.

FH: Was the random testing for Floyd Mayweather-Shane Mosley a step in the right direction?

Kizer: I don't know if it's either. That was a private deal they had with USADA and it didn't have anything to do with us. As long as it didn't interfere with our drug testing, and it didn't. There's no pro or con on that. The important thing was to make sure that it didn't interfere with our drug testing, and it didn't.

Both guys passed our drug testing requirements. Fighters have their right to do more testing, and as long as it doesn't interfere with the commissions, more power to them. Whether or not other fighters want to do it or should do it or don't want to do it, it up to the fighters.

Source: boxing.fanhouse.com

Did Manny Pacquiao award send Floyd Mayweather over the edge? -- Telegraph

By Gareth A Davies, Telegraph.co.uk

The Mayweather Files continue.Was it an off-the-cuff remark from Floyd Mayweather Jr that he is taking two years off, or was it simply a protest at Manny Pacquiao’s award of Fighter of the Decade from the Boxing Writers Association of America on Friday in New York?

Equally, it could be a ruse from Mayweather in the stakes for a negotiation ahead of the proposed showdown between Congressman Pacquiao and ‘Money’ Mayweather. Either way, Mayweather’s intriguing signals in his fight with Pacquiao continue to draw the headlines.

Mayweather has insisted he wants Pacquiao to take drug tests in the lead-up to their fight. The respective promoters are currently settling those terms.

I tend to agree with Bob Arum on this one. The promoter of Filipino boxing whirlwind Pacquiao does not believe the undefeated American is planning to go into retirement again.

I spoke to Arum last week, and he insisted that he was gagged on talking about the scene-shifting going on behind the scenes in the Pacquiao-Mayweather talks at present – as indeed Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy is – as they go ahead and try to nail down all aspects of the fight for November 13.

Arum said he is not taking the reports seriously since most people believe Mayweather “was just babbling.”

“I can’t say anything about the fight other than we are trying to put it all in place,” said Arum.

Mayweather’s admission from Las Vegas came in a video posted on YouTube that he would be taking a two-year break from boxing. “I’m taking a couple years off… away from the sport of boxing. I want to devote my time to my boxing gym,” he said.

Mayweather has retired before, of course. He ‘retired’ after fighting Oscar De La Hoya; he went into ‘retirement’ after defeating British Ricky Hatton in 2007, only to return to defeat Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in September 2009.

Last month, he was brilliant in beating Shane Mosley, in a contest which may have earned him in the region of $40 million. My view is that he is just playing hard to get, as he will have to be ‘tempted’ out of retirement to fight against Pacquiao, in a contest that is estimated already to be capable of grossing around $200 million.

For his part, Mayweather could earn over $50 million with the meeting of the best two fighters from the last four years in boxing likely to break television pay per view records of 2.25 million buys set when Mayweather fought Oscar De La Hoya in May 2007.

Source: blogs.telegraph.co.uk

Floyd Mayweather May Not Be Fighting Manny Pacquiao Anytime Soon -- The Sweet Science

By Michael Woods, The Sweet Science

Floyd Mayweather is taking a one or two year break from boxing and thus will not be fighting Manny Pacquiao anytime soon, if at all. Floyd's hiatus announcement was reported on Philboxing.

Fight fans will wonder if he's dodging Manny and how he can lay claim to being the greatest of all time if he is not eager to meet Pacquio. If his heart is not in the sport then of course he is within his bounds to take another lengthy break. But he will not do his legacy any favors if indeed his announcement is the real deal.

Update: As of 6:30 pm, we are hearing that Top Rank is not taking Mayweather's hiatus statement seriously. Until it is communicated to them officially, spokesman Lee Samuels said Bob Arum will not be responding to the possibility that Mayweather is going on break.

Update 2: Now the video has been scrubbed from YouTube. What's the deal here?

SPEEDBAG Man, I hate self righteous media types who portray themselves as the ultimate in squeeky clean, this paragon of virtue, when they work in a climate that is so screamingly rife with conflict of interest. Some of these guys can't keep it real...Are they ignorant? Deluded? They can't even concede that sportwriters, and really all media covering a beat, have to wrestle with balancing relationships, and access and sources? Maddening. Can't name a name here but one guy in particular burns my biscuit.

Source: thesweetscience.com

Alex Ariza Blasts USADA: 'Travis Tygart Needs to Shut Up' -- FanHouse

By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse

Bronx, N.Y. -- FanHouse caught up to Alex Ariza during Wednesday's press conference at The Yankee Stadium here, where the strength trainer of seven-division champion and WBO welterweight (147 pounds) king, Manny Paquiao, is supporting junior middleweight (154 pounds) prospect, Vanes Martirosyan, in Saturday night's clash of unbeatens against New York's Joe Greene to be held at Yankee Stadium.

Also the strength trainer for WBA junior welterweight (140 pounds) king, Amir Khan, Ariza is the assistant to Hall of Fame trainer, Freddie Roach, who, on Friday night, will receive his unprecedented fourth straight Trainer Of The Year honors from The Boxing Writers Association of America as will Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 knockouts), his third consecutive Fighter of the Year award as well as his first honor as Fighter of the Decade.

Ariza shared his thoughts on the implimentation of random blood and urine testing by the United States' Anti-Doping Agency during the buildup to May's Floyd Mayweather-Shane Mosley fight, among other things.

FanHouse: What are your thoughts on the culture of boxing as a result of Floyd Mayweather's assertion that Manny Pacquiao and himself be subject to random drug testing if their fight is to take place?

Alex Ariza: You know, as far as Manny and Floyd, I think that we have a gag order in place on that. But I just want to set a few things straight. Manny isn't really afraid of needles. It's just that he doesn't like to give blood too close to a fight. Manny feels that it takes something out of him, and a lot of these fighters have superstitions like that.

I mean, let's be realistic. BALCO [founder Victor Conte] was beating USADA for the past five years. They've probably tested his [Conte's] athletes three hundred times and they never really got caught. I mean, who have they really caught?

So you don't believe, as USADA director Travis Tygart believes, that USADA can work within the sport along with boxing's athletic commissions to improve the drug testing policies in the fight game?

I think that they're giving too much air time to Travis. He needs to go back to doing what he does best, which is to sit behind a desk and try to get other sports to believe that what he's doing is some kind of an extraordinary movement.

Do you believe that USADA was taken aback by the boxing community, and are you surprised that some in the boxing community have scrutinized and criticized the assertion that random drug testing is something that is needed in the sport?

Yeah, of course Travis was surprised. I think that he thought that he was going to come in here and throw a bunch of big words around and that people were going to be 'Wowed' by that. And it just doesn't happen that way. Travis doesn't know this sport. He's never laced up a pair of boxing gloves and put them on.

Travis is not an athlete himself, like that. Travis needs to shut up. He needs to go back and to sit behind a desk and answer phone calls and shut up. This is a real sport. These guys train hard. We don't need these guys and their little kits showing up when these fighters are in the midst of training and making weight and doing the real work.

We don't need these guys showing up and making themselves feel as if they have some type of importance as far as being in the fighters' camps. You know, they don't serve any real purpose.

So you're fine with the drug testing that is already in place, which is mostly based in that of urinalysis?

Sure I am. The athletic commissions of New York, Nevada and Texas are doing a phenomenal job. They've been doing it for years. They've got their top people working on it and they've at least actually caught people. So, you know, we'll do whatever the commissions ask us to do.

We're willing to abide by the commission's rules. The standards that they've set and the rules that they have in place are okay with us and that's all that we're going to follow.

Do you believe that boxing trainers, in general, take offense at the notion that their fighters are on steroids?

You know, to be honest with you, I sort of take that as a compliment. I mean, we know who is on the level, and we know that what we're doing with Manny and all of our other fighters are is all on the level. So, to us, it's a compliment. It means that we're doing something right.

And again, it goes back to the fact that we just have a really good team behind us.

Whom do you mean?

You know, I always like to give credit to Aundrea Macias of San Diego State, who is our research analyst. Terri Tom, who is from UCLA, who is our dietician. I've used both of them since we first started with Manny and with David Diaz. So, you know, this success with Manny has been a long time coming.

This didn't happen over night. It's been two years in the making of putting this formula together.

Is this in place for Vanes Martirosyan and Amir Khan as well?

Yes, and fortunately, Vanes has adapted to it. Amir Khan has adapted to it. And now, we've added Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and, so, hopefully, Julio will adapt to it as well. Here's the thing. Those are my four guys now.

How do you feel that this program manifests itself in the performance of the fighters?

I think that you see them all making weight without any problems. You see their physiques are all very symmetrically well built. They're defined. And as far as their conditioning, they're second to none. Coming into a fight, they're ready to perform and to give the fans what they want.

Unfortunately in this business, these lackluster fights and these sub-par performances are because there are fighters who don't know what they're doing the week of the fight. They're killing themselves to make weight for a fight. And therefore, all of their fight is left outside of the ring.

My guys come in and they're ready to fight. They're going to give you a show 100 percent. The one thing that you're never going to see is our guy getting tired or getting to the point where he can't throw any more punches. Or when it's time to really get down to business and to get down and dirty, the energy, it's going to be there for them.

And that's what they're there for. They're there to put on big performances, and that's what Manny, and Amir, and, Vanes are able to do in there.

Source: boxing.fanhouse.com