A legend has spoken. Four time heavyweight world champion Evander Holyfield didn’t pull any punches in the ring, and he’s not pulling any punches when it comes to Floyd Mayweather. The Mayweather/Pacquiao story has been a long one filled with accusations from both sides, each blaming the other as the reason this big fight hasn’t happened yet.
Floyd Mayweather did in fact offer Pacquiao a 40 million dollar guarantee, but it’s not that simple. Pacquiao is under a contractual commitment with Top Rank, and he can’t just take fights on his own. There’s legality issues when it comes to this stuff.
Floyd Mayweather demanded blood testing to which Pacquiao initially declined but later in time accepted. Floyd shouldn’t be blamed or hated on for asking for blood tests. Boxing has a history of people cheating, and boxing isn’t tennis. This sport can kill you. It always seems to be that one side or the other comes up with reasons to NOT make this fight, which is both odd, and tragic.
Some say Floyd is scared to take on Pacquiao. They blame Mayweather for the road blocks, and accuse him of dodging the fight as to preserve his undefeated record. Floyd fans counter and blame Pacquiao for refusing random blood tests, and for declining the 40 million dollar offer from Mayweather. Bob Arum blames Floyd’s people for not just picking up the phone and calling him to negotiate. The story goes around and around.
Recently, Evander Holyfield chimed in. He basically said that Floyd’s legacy will be forever tarnished if he doesn’t face the 8 division world champion Manny Pacquiao before he retires. Holyfield fought in the era where the best still fought the best. He’s calling for Mayweather to get this fight figured out, and make it happen. The fans agree.
It would be a tragedy for ego’s and selfishness to block one of the best fights in recent history from happening.
Follow Brad Cooney on Twitter @bradcooney1
