Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao not automatic; obstacles include blood tests, purse split -- Grand Rapids Press

By David Mayo, The Grand Rapids Press

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao live at the center of the most-asked question in boxing, about a fight that failed to be arranged once, seems no closer to being arranged now, and remains the subject of more speculation than most events in any sport. The question is simple: Will it happen?

Popular theory holds that Mayweather-Pacquiao is like a monolithic bank -- too big to fail -- except it already failed once, and frankly the only reason to believe it won't fail this time is that the two sides have so much more time to work toward a resolution than last time.

Over the four weeks since Mayweather annihilated Shane Mosley, rampant speculation has it that too much money is at stake for Mayweather-Pacquiao not to happen, that the fight will get made for Nov. 13, and that underground negotiations between the parties already have begun, to the exclusion of media.

That's all fine, except for a few hitches, any or all of which could sink the fight, just as happened in the failed December and January talks.

The most-asked question in boxing is the one I'm asked more than anything these days.

And my answer remains the same. I don't know if Mayweather-Pacquiao will happen, now or ever, and am highly skeptical of it.

In the course of the past few weeks, a few non-newsworthy items have gotten treatment as being newsworthy. Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter, spoke to the media about negotiations to tell them he wouldn't be speaking to the media about negotiations anymore. Leonard Ellerbe and Richard Schaefer, both representing Mayweather, said there wasn't much to talk about right now anyway, because their man planned to take a nice break after his 12-round demolition of Mosley on May 1.

Pacquiao won a congressional election in The Philippines, which is newsworthy enough, but has little to do with making a fight against Mayweather for undisputed pound-for-pound supremacy.

Mayweather is under consideration to replace Lennox Lewis as an HBO analyst.

And Theartha Mayweather Jr., oldest brother of Floyd Mayweather Sr., Roger Mayweather and Jeff Mayweather -- and the only one among those who didn't make his name off boxing -- died here last week, after a lengthy illness.

Then there was the one single tidbit of promising information relative to making the fight: Pacquiao, after waffling out of the fight last winter over his demand that no blood testing occur within 24 days of the fight, yielded to Mayweather, who waffled out of the first negotiations by demanding that the blood-testing cutoff be set at 14 days beforehand.

Only one problem: Mayweather said months ago, well before beating Mosley, that his 14-day cutoff window isn't in play anymore, and that blood testing must be allowed right up until the fight.

He also said that if his fight with Mosley did big business, the original financial agreements -- which weren't a problem at all -- would come off the table, and he would require an edge in the monetary split before agreeing to the fight.

So some recent indignation when Mayweather did exactly what he said he would -- demanded more money than Pacquiao, and asked that the 14-day window be closed -- is a bit disingenuous.

One man's opinion, but the 14-day window probably remains workable. Mayweather-Mosley was conducted under guidelines that allowed for blood testing right up until the fight, yet there was none in those final two weeks, so establishing that cutoff for Mayweather-Pacquiao probably would have no effect. And even if either fighter lived on intravenous performance enhancers in the final two weeks before the fight, the possibility of tangible gains -- and not getting nabbed in post-fight testing -- virtually would be nonexistent.

There are enough other obstacles to create enormous concern, however.

The concept that boxing needs Mayweather-Pacquiao and is in something of a holding pattern until it happens seems accurate enough.

As for the popular theory that it's a foregone conclusion, well, that's just uninformed.

E-mail David Mayo: dmayo@grpress.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/David_Mayo

Source: mlive.com

Where there's smoke there's fire; and 'Camp Pacquiao' is smoking -- Examiner

By Rick Rockwell, Examiner.com

The latest news coming out of Camp Pacquiao is not all warm and fuzzy as it was just a few weeks ago when Manny Pacquiao won his congressional seat. There is a division brewing over recent comments made by certain members of Pacquiao's management team. Comments that have not only angered promoter Bob Arum but have also angered the pound for pound king.

"I know Manny is just as angry as I am that these guys, who have nothing to do with any of these negotiations, keep shooting their mouths off and inflaming the situation,” Bob Arum, Boxingscene.com

Arum is referring to the following comments recently made by Eric Pineda and Franklin Gacal.

"We just got word that it seems to be that way. But we will never agree to that." Gacal, Philstar.com

"Yes, we were told that Floyd now wants a bigger share. And if that’s the case, we now feel that he really doesn’t want to fight Manny because Floyd knows we will never agree on that." Pineda, Philstar.com

Pineda and Gacal's statements were in response to Floyd Mayweather Jr's demands of wanting a larger percentage of the fight purse.

"They (statements) are more than irritating, because so much of this is ego and when you say that if he (Mayweather) says this Manny Pacquiao is not going to fight, that’s not the way you negotiate," Arum Boxingscene.com

What I don't understand is why Bob Arum is so frustrated over things. He's the one who originally said that he would keep his mouth shut over things and then a few days later he's telling the world that Floyd Mayweather Jr and Shane Mosley last blood tested 18-19 days out from the fight. These comments caused a frenzy which led me to obtaining a copy of the drug testing summary directly from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Now, Bob is frustrated over others who are expressing their opinions just like Bob has done so many times before. If Bob wants a gag order on everyone who's a part of team Pacquiao, then he should start with himself first. But, Pineda and Gacal aren't the only ones outside of Arum who have been making comments. Manny Pacquiao has also been pretty vocal over these negotiations too. Which, members of the media like myself, think is a good thing.

There's no possible way that these negotiations are going to remain private. In fact, I think Team Pacquiao should make them as public as possible to show the public that they are willing to compromise and make the fight happen. That would put more pressure on Team Mayweather. Instead, we are getting divisiveness and in-house fighting. I'm surprised to see this coming from them because usually it's a much more well oiled machine.

There's smoke in 'Camp Pacquiao' and they better be careful before things go up in a blaze of divisiveness and blame.

Source: examiner.com

Arum slams Pacquiao associates for public statements -- Examiner

By Charles Indriolo, Examiner.com

Speaking with Boxingscene.com today, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum wasn’t happy with Manny Pacquiao’s associates for speaking to the media regarding negotiations between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

“I know Manny is just as angry as I am that these guys, who have nothing to do with any of these negotiations, keep shooting their mouths off and inflaming the situation,” said Arum.

“What are Eric Pineda [Pacquiao’s business manager] and Jeng Gacal [Pacquiao’s lawyer], who know nothing about what’s happening, doing? Why are they shooting their mouths off?”

Earlier this week, Pineda and Gacal told The Philippine Star that Floyd Mayweather was demanding for more than a 50-50 split of the profits to fight Pacquiao. A demand both said Pacquiao would refuse. However, Arum is adamant that neither man has any clue to what is going on in the negotiations.

Earlier this month, Arum said a gag order would be placed on this round of negotiations between Team Pacquiao and Team Mayweather. He feels both sides prevented an agreement from happening the first negotiating period because all involved went to the media to vent their frustrations. Arum knows a fight of this magnitude could fall through again if those involved try to negotiate through the media.

“They (statements) are more than irritating, because so much of this is ego and when you say that if he (Mayweather) says this Manny Pacquiao is not going to fight, that’s not the way you negotiate,” said Arum.

Arum and Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, who’s representing Mayweather in the negotiations, are quietly trying to come to an agreement. Hopefully, one gets made soon.

Source: examiner.com

UFC 114: Rampage, Evans both Pacquiao fans -- ABS-CBN News

By Bev Llorente, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 114 battle of the lightweight division fighters is on.

Sin City is all hyped up for this Saturday’s (Sunday in Manila) prime time event, Rampage vs Evans, which will happen at the MGM Grand Arena.

It will be another revenue generating event for the entertainment capital of the world, as UFC fans from all over the world are expected to flock to Sin City, which needs sporting events like this to attract tourists.

UFC’s CEO Dana White said that every time there is a UFC fight, it impacts the economic revenue globally.

He also expressed his wish to hold a UFC fight in the Philippines.

“We have a huge economic impact no matter what part of the world we are in. People come from all over the world to watch the fight,” said White.

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, who is known for his wrestling and slamming ability in the Octagon, admitted that he is a huge Manny Pacquiao fan.

“I know Pacquiao is a great fighter. He is a cool guy. I like the way he fights, and I just want to say to all my Filipino fans out there: come and watch me this Saturday. Don’t go to the restroom. Don’t even blink, put a tape in your eye. The guy is going to sleep any second,” Jackson said.

Rampage’s opponent “Suga” Rashad Evans said that Pacquiao’s style in boxing is ferocious, and he will do the same Pacquiao moves this Saturday.

“Manny is not afraid to risk it all to win, and that’s a fine line a lot of people afraid to walk that line, where they try to be so clean and they’re afraid to even take a chance, and they never take a chance and they don’t get the dramatic finishes or win,” said Evans.

ABS-CBN’S “Get it Here” Studio 23 will be airing the fight on Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. live.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

'Pacquiao's chances vs Floyd depend on first 5 rounds' -- ABS-CBN News

abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA, Philippines -- Boxing analyst Al Bernstein thinks 7-division champ Manny Pacquiao’s chances against Floyd Mayweather Jr. will depend on how he handles the first half of his fight against the undefeated American.

Bernstein, who was ESPN’s boxing commentator for many years and is now a fight analyst for Showtime Championship boxing, said Pacquiao would have to survive the first 5 rounds with Mayweather to get a chance of beating the former pound-for-pound king.

“If Pacquiao fights him, Mayweather is likely going to hit him with a big right hand in the first five rounds,” the analyst told Examiner.com.

Boxing fans are anticipating a showdown between the two pound-for-pound kings, whose planned super fight last March 13 was shelved because of disagreements over the type of drug testing they will use before the bout.

“If Manny Pacquiao doesn’t go down or get badly hurt, Manny Pacquiao is either going to beat Floyd Mayweather or he is going to make it such an exciting, hellacious fight that we are going to all be happy,” added Bernstein.

Pacquiao’s handler, Top Rank promotions chief Bob Arum, is working to forge a deal with the Mayweather camp for the mega fight planned on November 13.

The Filipino boxer, who just won a congressional seat in Sarangani province, has already agreed to the American fighter’s demand to have himself blood tested 14 days before the fight.

However, Mayweather’s camp has yet to issue a formal statement regarding Pacquiao’s decision.

Some observers believe the silence in Mayweather’s camp might be an indication that the negotiations are moving, and that the major players in the talks are keeping their meetings under wraps.

Berstein said Mayweather’s insistence on Olympic-style drug testing was just a strategy that got out of hand.

“I think it was just a ploy on the part of Floyd and his people that got out of hand. I think once they took that position, they couldn’t back off from it,” he said.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

Mayweather camp confident of win -- Manila Bulletin

By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin

If the handlers of Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather succeed in dotting the Is and crossing the Ts, the outcome of the fight being proposed for November 13 will end in Mayweather’s favor.

Roger Mayweather, the former world champion and uncle of Floyd, told the website examiner that “Pacquiao is going to get his ass whipped just like Shane Mosley.”

Roger also trains his nephew and is supremely confident that the Filipino won’t stand a chance.

“It’s actually going to be much easier (for Floyd),” said Roger, referring to the lopsided win scored against Mosley last May 1.

Admitting that the pairing is “the only fight that makes sense,” Roger remains unconvinced that the fight is going to take place owing to the touchy issue of random drug testing.

“Anytime a guy doesn’t want to take a drug test, it tells you a lot about a guy. If the fight doesn’t come off it’s because he doesn’t want to take the test. If the fight doesn’t come off it won’t be because Floyd turned the fight down.”

Representatives from the two sides are currently in the thick of negotiations for the super showdown to happen.

Pacquiao has agreed to be tested as long as the latest will be 14 days before the fight and that only a reasonable amount should be taken from him.

Team Mayweather hasn’t responded to Pacquiao’s bold move although there have been reports circulating that a new issue – revenue-sharing – has surfaced and that Mayweather is not amenable to a 50-50 split with Pacquiao.

Source: mb.com.ph

Margaret Goodman Says Boxing Can Afford Random Drug Testing -- FanHouse

By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse

As a former ringside physician and Medical Advisory Board Chairman for the Nevada State Athletic Commission, Las Vegas-based neurologist Dr. Margaret Goodman "was part of advancing medical testing of both MMA fighters and boxers that included MRI scans and testing for anabolic steroids" in the early 2000s.

"The MRI testing, at the time, started in 2001 as a pilot program. There was a time where fighters were being educated," said Goodman, recalling that one of the major hurdles hindering an MRI testing program was cost. "So it was in 2001 that the individuals were notified, and then in 2002, the testing was actually begun more uniformly. [Cost] was one of the main arguments in order to get us to not do it."

But the proponents of safety in the NSAC continued to peck away at the problem until a resolution was reached.

"When we did MRI studies, the MRI studies were $1,500 apiece, and we got the price down to $425. That's still a lot of money to a kid who is earning $100 a round. But the point is that with this drug-testing, I'm sure there's ways to negotiate it so that it wouldn't be nearly as costly," said Goodman.

"When it came to instituting MRI/MRA testing in Nevada, we were able to negotiate reasonable prices. Former Nevada commissioner Dr. Flip Homansky and I sat down with radiologists and radiological facilities and hammered out the details," said Goodman.

"The commission held a hearing on the matter. Initially, everyone told us it would be impossible and ruin boxing in the state, but we got it done, and boxing prospered instead of declined in Nevada. I am sure that this can be done for PED testing," said Goodman.

"When I was chairman of the Association of Boxing Commission's medical committee over five years ago, drug testing -- not PED-- but just routine drug testing for drugs of abuse was discussed," said Goodman. "Today, a few more states are testing, but only a handful test for PED's."

In other words, Goodman believes that it is time for the implementation of a comprehensive random drug-testing procedure involving blood and urine extraction from boxers. She believes that it can be made as affordable as MRI testing was for the sport of boxing when the thought first surfaced nearly 10 years ago.

"I believe that if the athletic commission were to approach the World Anti-Doping Agency, or, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, I'm sure that there is a way that the cost could be reduced, or there could be some kind of arrangement made even with the local laboratories," said Goodman.

"Do this under a research project, get funding. This is not that complicated. You don't want to just work with yourself, you want to work outside of yourself with other experts," said Goodman. "As much expertise as the Nevada Commission's Medical Advisory Board has, they're not experts in drug testing."

Random drug testing has been in the boxing news since late November, when a proposed megafight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao reached a impasse over whether or not both fighters would be randomly tested during training.

Leading up to his May 1 unanimous decision victory over Shane Mosley in Las Vegas, Mayweather and his rival were randomly tested -- a first in boxing -- by the USADA.

But opinions vary on the effectiveness of the procedure and whether or not it belongs in boxing.

"Following the Pacquiao-Mayweather debacle over drug testing, I asked the American Association of Professional Ring Physicians to query commissions as to whether or not they were considering changing their drug-testing polices regarding PED's," said Goodman.

"Essentially none responded positively," said Goodman. "But I know that this can be handled expeditiously with the direct assistance and oversight of WADA and/or USADA. I know these organizations will help, as would Don Catlin, director of the UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory."

Goodman, in other words, is a staunch advocate.

"I think that PED testing can be affordable, at least this must be investigated now. But cost is always the bottom-line, and rightly so," said Goodman. "It isn't fair to expect a club fighter to have to spend 50 percent or more of their purse on testing. However, from previous experience, commissions will concern themselves with the following:

1. Man power needed to administer the testing or administrative costs.

2. The overall costs of the testing, and who is going to foot the bill.

3. The repercussions in fight card cancellations.

4. Whether or not the jurisdiction loses cards simply by instituting a rigorous drug testing program.

5. If a fighter tests positive, and the bout is canceled, what are the costs in defending the test results -- possible legal fees -- and will the testing stand up in court.

"No commission wants fighters competing on PED's, but these are all understandable issues that need to be addressed. The main approach is for commissions to acknowledge the problem and sit down with experts like Don Catlin to design a feasible testing protocol. They would need to negotiate the fees, educate the fighters and trainers on the process, and begin implementation," said Goodman.

"I would ask the oversight organization to include input and advice from respected former trainers and fighters and Dr. Homansky, who was the first in the United States to institute drug and steroid testing," said Goodman. "The USADA has opened the door to show boxing this can be done, so it is too late to ignore the situation."

Source: boxing.fanhouse.com

Arum Looks To Cotto-Foreman, Waits For "Money" Response On Manny Fight -- The Sweet Science

By Michael Woods, The Sweet Science

Bob Arum is gearing up for the June 5 showdown at Yankee Stadium, pitting two Top Rank fighters, Yuri Foreman of Brooklyn and Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico, against each other. On Tuesday, Arum was at the famed and fabled Gleasons Gym in Brooklyn, watching Foreman do a workout for press. He weighed in on the importance of having high profile bouts in mega stadiums, and termed the Cotto-Foreman fight a 50-50 flip of the coin special. But not too much time passed before Arum, who is still basking in the glow of Manny Pacquiao's Congressional win, was asked if Pacquaio-Mayweather would go down on Nov. 13 in Texas, as he desires.

The ball is firmly in Mayweather's court, the promoter told TSS. He didn't specify on the who, what, when and where of negotiations, but Arum said he communicated to Team Mayweather that Pacman will agree to drug testing 14 days before a fight, as was requested by Team Mayweather in the last, disastrous round of negotiations. And, has Team Mayweather responded?

"Nothing," Arum said. "Haven't heard a word. The ball is completely in Mayweather's court. Every term has been agreed to." Cynics who think Mayweather is looking to erect unpassable hurdles, so this fight won't go down, suspect that Mayweather will try and use his last showing, physically and financially, to put forward new demands to Team Pacquiao. Like, my fight against Mosley did so much better than yours against Clottey, I deserve that much bigger slice of the pie. So far, a re-slicing of the pie hasn't been suggested to Arum, he said. "It's still a 50-50 split," he said.

As of today, Arum said, no meeting is scheduled with Team Mayweather, ie Al Haymon, Richard Schaefer and Leonard Ellerbe, so don't expect a breakthrough soon. Pacquiao will be in New York early next week, with his whole family, giving them a taste of the NYC tourist experience, so hopefully we'll have movement by then. Arum has not, he said, put Plan B aka Antonio Margarito versus Pacquiao, into high gear. The Master of the Plaster Disaster would still need to be re-licensed in the US, so that's one hurdle to that bout, but indications are that he'll be able to get the okay to fight in the States by the end of the year.

Foreman's affable backer, NYC restaurant owner Murray Wilson, was at Gleasons. He said that if his guys gets the better of Cotto, which he expects, a showdown with Margarito would make sense. If that goes well, then a bout with Pacquiao is on his wish list. He almost had that locked down before Clottey got the date, and was about to sign the deal with Arum when Pacquiao advisor Michael Koncz sent word that Foreman was out as an opponent, even though Freddie Roach had given the thumbs up. "Koncz said no, Yuri was too big," Wilson told TSS. "Yuri didn't grow overnight. Freddie agreed to it."

Wilson said that Cotto ex cornerman Miguel Diaz, who was let go by Cotto because he didn't inspect Margarito's hands before they fought, has said, "The only time Cotto is going to touch Foreman is during the glove touch before the bout."

SPEEDBAG Arum is pumped to do more of these big stadium fights. He's eyeing Dodger Stadium, perhaps for a Juan Manuel Lopez/Rafael Marquez bout, for next year.

---Foreman's gorgeous wife, model Leyla Leidecker, was at Gleasons, checking on her guy. She directed a documentary about women fighting in the NY Golden Gloves, and she said it's available on Netflix. Here's the URL to tell you more about it. http://www.goldenglovesmovie.com/

--Arum will get roasted, er, toasted by the Friars Club in NYC next week. Ex footballer Jim brown, and hulking Canadian ex heavyweight George Chuvalo will be there to honor the 78-year-old Brooklyn-born dealmaker.

Source: thesweetscience.com

Floyd Mayweather Jr.: Man, mouse or just mannequin -- Examiner

By Michael Marley, Examiner.com

Man or mouse?

That's what Manny Pacquiao fans and many just plain fight fans are asking about Floyd Mayweather Jr. right now as he hides behind a wall of silence and shows no great desire to tangle with the only fighter who can drop him from the ranks of the undefeated.

I say that Mayweather, who is running silent but hardly deep, is neither.

I say that Mayweather has become a mannequin, a dummy like the ones you see in the department stores.

At this point, can you imagine what great boxing icons of the past would be doing in the face of a threat like Pacquiao?

Muhammad Ali would be pounding the table, trying to come up with insults and warnings about how he would Pacman like a lazy donkey.

Ali would be invading Pacman's training quarters trailed by TV cameras.

His archrival, Smokin' Joe Frazier, would be talking a blue streak about how he will rip Manny apart.

Sugar Ray Leonard would be telling the media he would be glad "to accomodate Pacquiao" anytime, anywhere.

Marvelous Marvin Hagler would be telling us how no judges would be needed for the fight, how he would bring his two fists, one called "K" and the other known as "O," and that would obivate the need for any paper shuffling fight scorers. Hagler would say the only other required person would be a referee able to count to 10.

"I will destruct and I will destroy Pacquiao," Marvy Marv would say repeatedly.

Those guys knew how to throw gasoline onto the bonfire. Those guys knew how to fuel an already burning rivalry, how to stoke a hot match that caught the public imagination.

Maybe Mayweather is being held in isolation for a reason although I can't think of any.

Maybe Mayweather walks the steamy streets of hometown Las Vegas in a burqua, his face hidden by a veil.

By contrast, Pacman even gives out interviews from a hospital bed in Manila, where he was treated and released for a stomach ailment.

A European sportswriter recently inquired about getting at Mayweather for an interview.

"You seem to write positively about Pacquiao all the time," the scribe was told by way of rejection.

In other words, pal, take your million plus daily circulation and buzz off.

But the same writer would have little problem getting access to Pacman.

Pacquiao is headed from Manila to Los Angeles and he will speak to the media.

Then he comes to my fair city, New York, to pick up is 32nd Fighter of the Year Award from the Boxing Writers Association, and of course he will speak to the media.

But Mayweather remains a virtual shut in in Nevada.

What are Mayweather's handlers afraid of?

Maybe they know their charge will say something moronic like his comment about a possible fight against little known Sergio Martinez.

"That's interesting," Mayweather told someone.

No, it's not, it is idiotic.

The public pulse is for Mayweather-Pacquiao and for that mega bout only.

It's clear to me that Mayweather wouldn't be upset if he does fight some chopped liver opponent next.

By contrast, Pacman wants Mayweather like the starving wolf wants the meaty lamb chop.

But we know what Manny thinks, what he wants because he's not locked away in any so called Big Boy Mansion.

Speak Mayweather speak, make your intentions known.

Pacquiao wants to tear you limb from limb. Pacquiao smells the mood of the paying customers.

Your talent is large but your access to any media, unless they are complete and utter bootlickers, is limited.

So we don't know how badly you want Pacquiao next, if indeed that's really what you desire at all.

Floyd Mayweather, man, mouse or merely a mannequin?

Speak louder, L'il Floyd, we can't hear you.

You say you're an icon but you don't act like one.

(mlcmarley@aol.com)

Source: examiner.com

Released From Hospital, Manny Pacquiao Films Sitcom -- FanHouse

By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse

Manny Pacquiao has been knocked out twice during the early part of his boxing career.

But you just can't keep a great man down.

The seven-division champion has won his past 12 fights, a span of more than five years that include eight knockouts.

And on Tuesday in the Philippines, just hours after climbing out of a hospital bed, the crossover star and recently elected congressman was in a studio filming a soon-to-be-released sitcom, "Show Me The Manny."

After three days of treatment for "stomach pain from an ulcer and acid reflux and fatigue," the 31-year-old WBO welterweight (147 pounds) champion was released from the Cardinal Santos Hospital in suburban Manila, his adviser, Michael Koncz, told FanHouse.

Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 knockouts) was admitted on Sunday, and rested until being discharged, said Koncz. Pacquiao had successfully campaigned for a congressional seat in the Sarangani province following the May 10 elections.

Pacquiao's diagnoses was the result of a routine checkup on Sunday, after which his family convinced him to stay at the hospital, according to Pacquiao's political adviser, Miles Roces.

As much energy as Pacquiao exerts in the ring, let alone that which he exerted during his landslide congressional victory, being hospitalized was among the rare times Pacquiao has been off of his feet in the ring or out.

"Well, that's not exactly accurate," said Koncz. "He does sleep."

Pacquiao received intravenous dextrose drips while hospitalized.

"You know that the guy is always out, but he realized that he needed the rest," said Roces. "So now, he's taking some time off from the exhaustive routine, spending some time with his family, with his kids."

Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, is working toward a possible mega bout with Floyd Mayweather (41-0, 25 KOs) for as early as November, even as Pacquiao is slated to assume his congressional duties starting on June 30.

Arum has said that he will soon start talking to Mayweather's camp about putting together the world's top two welterweights for a Nov. 13 bout in Las Vegas or Texas.

Arum said he hoped to match Pacquiao against former welterweight champion Antonio Margarito if talks with Mayweather fall through.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, has duties that include endorsements and advertisements for products ranging from food to sports items.

"Manny's fine. His spirits are good and we're actually filming at the studio right now. It's his sitcom, 'Show Me The Manny,' " said Koncz. "Manny's bounced back 100 percent. He's resilient. That's just the way that Manny is. He's like the energizer bunny rabbit. He can just keep going and going."

Source: boxing.fanhouse.com