Greg, The way I am viewing this testing issue is that it’s just team Mayweather’s attempt to rattle Pacquiao’s cage. I highly doubt they will let this issue “jeopardize” the fight, as every single boxing news source has written. The only thing is, if I’m right, then I think it’s a big waste of time and energy. I don’t know if it’s coming from Haymon, Ellerbe, or Mayweather himself, but I have learned to tune them all out, especially Ellerbe. I completely ignore everything that man says. When he spends all his energy trying to convince (in a very poor attempt) the media and fans that “Floyd is the draw” when facing guys like Hatton and De La Hoya, and that Floyd has faced the best opponents possible, then every subsequent pitch he gives from that moment is instant BS, because he has lost all his credibility with me long ago. He’s not even a good pitch man at that. Anyways, next point: I would love to see Bute/Pavlik at a catch weight. Let me first say this, I don’t mind catch weights. I just don’t care. I think making a fuss about it detracts from the where the attention should be: the fight itself. If the fighters and trainers agree on the weight, who cares? Anyways, Pav and Bute would be a great fight. I think Bute could ultimately outbox him, but I saw something in Bute in the Andrade rematch: the guy likes to fight. I was positive coming into that rematch, he was going to stick, move, conserve energy, and basically correct everything that attributed to his meltdown in the first fight. I thought the fight would resemble Barrera/Juarez 2, or Johnson/Dawson 2. But in my opinion, Bute is lucky he knocked Andrade out, because Andrade was beginning to close the gap and land some decent shots already by the fourth round. So, yes, Bute could outbox Pavlik should they fight. But I don’t think he will do that. I think he’ll trade, not necessarily Gatti/Ward type trading, but I think he’ll attempt to land some big shots, and will in turn eat some as well. I think he’s got a lot of pride with the fanatic type of following he has, and it will show, should he ever fight Pavlik. I hope it happens. ~justin in denver
Leon’s Response: At the end of the day they’re going to get it together, but this is an unfortunate situation and whoever felt that this matter was beyond repair behind the scenes with discussions instead of public statements written by publicists or Haymon lackeys. Ellerbe is a nice guy and he definitely always has Floyd’s best interest at heart, which is more than I say for others. I would love to see Bute’s people say they want to fight Allan Green and I’d love to see them say it today. Pavlik is staying put at middleweight and he should. Pavlik has failed to make the most of his middleweight championship by moving up in weight twice already. The junior middleweights Taylor faced durig his reign are killers compared to the middleweights Pavlik has defended against.
Hey G Leon, what’s up? Boxingtalk is the best boxing website. I always know where I can find the best articles and interviews. Keep up the great work! Wow, it appears that PBF’s Team is highly concerned about Pacman’s punching power and strength. I don’t understand why PBF’s Team does not consider Pacman’s counter offer for drug testing a reasonable alternative. If Pacman has blood drawn right B4 and right after the fight, along with random urine tests during training camp, how can he hide anything? Am I missing something here? My friend, who is a doctor, said that it’s VERY unlikely that Pacman could hide performance enhancement drugs if he is subjected to these kind of tests. He felt that random blood tests during camp, even right before the weigh-in is major overkill and not necessary. Well, perhaps not necessary unless you are trying to weaken your opponent and affect him mentally. G, do you think this is a ploy by PBF’s Team to rattle Pacman and soften him up a bit come fight night? Or perhaps a way to get out of the fight all together? What affects one fighter might not affect another; each person’s body is different than another. Personally, I don’t want to see either fighter have an unfair advantage, but it would seem that the counteroffer by Pac-man’s Team is sufficient. Since PBF can not possibly make this kind of money with ANY other fighter, do you think they will bend and agree to the alternate terms?
Leon’s Response: Who wouldn’t be concerned about fighting Pacquiao at this point? I honestly think that if Pacquiao doesn’t knock him out it’s a landslide decision win for Floyd. He’s too damn smart in the ring, but if anybody can make him look stupid with one punch he doesn’t see coming, it’s Pacquiao. I don’t understand why a contract hasn’t been signed yet and we’re already discussing steroids, cheating and corruption. A sad, sad commentary this is.
2009 A.D. = The year Miguel Cotto fell victim to his second defeat of his career due to corporate media backed cheating….Paulie Malignaggi is right about Manny Pacquiao and his steroids cocktails, there’s is no way a fighter can go in weight and look so effective and ripped as Manny….If he does not comply with the drug tests, he should be stripped of his title and return it to Cotto
Leon’s Response: Wouldn’t that be something if there was ever any evidence to support it?
In a society full of skeptics; the Bobfather just through gasoline to the smoldering flame of Manny Steroid Speculation. I don’t understand the defiant protests from Team Pacquaio, just take the test. It’s not like he’s giving a pint of blood or is there more to this testing than we know? This seems to be the lamest excuse since the Barry Bonds’ “I thought it was Flaxseed Oil” one during the BALCO investigations. Before I laughed at everyone who questioned who Pac was able to eat a bigger Cotto’s punches and then walk him down. I just thought it was a phenomenal effort by a phenomenal talent. But now… it’s actually plausible to me because of the outright refusal of Team Pacquaio to submit to the test. The excuse that Mayweather doesn’t want the fight, I ain’t buying… I’m not familiar with the negotiations but my assumption was that he agreed first and then they had to dance with Manny’s camp to get him to agree. I don’t think Mayweather is afraid of Pac and using that as an excuse is stupid. Most fighters, post-Tyson are not afraid of other fighters, especially elite level athletes. And how do you turn to another fight just like that? “…we’re not going to do it. End of story, case closed and we’re going to be moving on to another opponent.” WHAT???? If I’m Floyd, I’m holding tight… I would have to have a blood test prior to the fight, maybe 31 days or 2 weeks but I would not fight him without knowing that he’s clean. Manny is now guilty until proven innocent and that’s a damn shame! Here’s a nugget for you… I hate that this is coming to this but I have to put it out there; if Manny’s dirty, how does that affect Cotto’s legacy as a fighter? I mean, he would have been destroyed and career ruined by 2 guys who cheated (1 Convicted and the other Alleged) and that would piss me off more than anything. I still remember some words you spoke earlier this month or late last month regarding the imminence of this deal being done; you’ll believe it when they actually sign or something to that effect… and that’s why Jirov calls you KGB, you’re always in the know! Stay on tha grind G! AJ from Dallas , TX
Leon’s Response: I don’t know maybe it’s the side of me that’s been in the business that makes me lean a bit more towards Mayweather being out of line. Pacquiao has already agreed to perform additional tests for Mayweather, they come to a stalemate and Mayweather’s camp goes public? Stupid move. Because now even if Pacquiao CONTINUES to bend to the stick, it’s going to be about the test result as much as the fight result. I’ve spoken to several top fighters who shall remain nameless for now, but they’ve all told me that there’s no way they would go above and beyond the commission requirements because their opponent wants them to. If Manny is dirty then his win should be considered a NO CONTEST in the minds of every boxing fan, as the NC in De La Hoya-Mosley II is forever etched in mine.
Happy holidays to all the boxingtalk staff. Now please allow me to beat up on this horse before it dies. Floyd and Manny is the biggest fight that fans want to see true? Well seeing that the promoters only have 3 months to promote this fight why not sturr up some drama to help promote the fight. Floyd seems to not care taking the bad guy role during the promotion. This fight is much to large to NOT happen. Bob Arum is not fooling me and neither is Floyd. Next, Manny is an awesome fighter to watch, cant take anything away from him but, remember before Floyd so called retired he was the hottest thing in boxing and everyone said “Oh, no one below 147 can beat Mayweather” now Pacman stole the spotlight while Floyd was away from the sport of boxing and has the HBO staff crowning him as the best thing since sliced bread. They have forgotten that Floyd has beaten 40 fighters in 40 fights. Including the guy Pacman fought twice and really you can make a case in him losing one of em’. My point is just because Manny beat OVERATED Hatton, De La Hoya and beat up Cotto don’t think for a second Mayweather, like these guys will lose to Manny when they fight PBF will beat Manny easier than you (fight fans and some experts) think. Stylistically Floyd has the advantage with handspeed, defence and he would outbox Manny. He is very hard to hit and fight out of his defensive posture better than any fighter in the game. By the way when Floyd throws a punch he connects with speed and accuracy. Pacman to me has the best chance of winning if he fights Floyd like Jose Louis Castillo did the first fight, with an array of punches. Yes I believe Floyd is the G.O.A.T. in boxing. And I believe they way Manny is fighting he is the biggest threat to beating him, but will he NO. So to all fight fans know this PBF will fight Manny and beat him easier than most think. You heard it first on boxings’ greatest website ever known to man kind from yours truly……Happy Holidays from Darrin -Raleigh N.C.
Leon’s Response: They definitely wouldn’t use these kind of issues as a ploy to create more interest. More interest in what, the fight itself or Manny being clean? Unless he gets knocked out, Mayweather wins the fight easily. If skills pay the bills Mayweather’s good money come fight night. The nature in which Pacquiao has won these fights is the ONLY reason he’s gotten this kind of attention. He’s not winning fights, he’s beating the quit into and shit out of A level opposition.
Hello G, Glad you’re back actively participating in the flow of the site. The difference is obvious. Regarding Bob’s response. What sane human being, participating in a sporting event, who had received concessions on everything they asked, including a $10 million dollar per pound, and fractional pound, over the legal weight limit penalty against their opponent, were guaranteed a $25 million dollar payday, win, lose, or draw…would turn down this once in a lifetime opportunity if they were not hiding something?! Ask North Tulsa’s favorite son, Allan Green what he would do? In my opinion Pacquiao has something to hide. I’ve researched this blood testing issue to the hilt and thousands of Olympic athletes go thru this same testing. Only a teaspoon or less of blood is taken. It takes your body ONLY one hour to replenish that lost blood. No way should Mayweather not stick to this guns regarding “RANDOM” testing. Why does Pacquiao need to know and dictate when the tests will be done? Random tests take away the calculated planning an abuser needs to beat the system. Steroid and HGH users on the net have discussed thoroughly how you can go on a 6 week cycle with hgh and be explosive in any physical activity you participate. Finally, Pacquiao HAS taken blood tests during training prior to a big fight and that was against Erik Morales in their first fight. Remember, how Erik took Manny’s punches and even stunned Manny a couple times. Erik won an unequivocal unanimous decision. He schooled Pacquiao. Many are arguing that Manny didn’t have his liquid courage in a tube to rely on, he had to be clean for the tests. The following fights against Erik Morales didn’t have that clause and Manny was a beast in those fights. You’re on the inside, do your due diligence to corroborate these statements. Pacquiao has something to hide and fear of international exposure and a definite loss against Mayweather have to be the driving force behind walking away from $25 million guaranteed. P.S. The only way Mayweather should agree to the testing is if he has a professional on the inside willing to give him HGH to even the odds.
Leon’s Response: I like to think what I’ve been up to can be considered participation so thanks! LOL. To answer your question, I don’t think Bob should have removed himself from the negotiations so quickly. Some of you are still viewing him as the bad guy and he’s an outsider until he gets the updates from his step-son, Todd DuBoef.
Mayweather really doesn’t want to fight Pacman. Everybody knows it from the start that’s why people are chanting it after the the Pacquiao – Cotto fight to “force” Mayweather. Mayweather knows his skills and therefore knows his skills is no match with Manny. Manny doesn’t need him whoever he is, we know who’s the best boxer in the history as proven by Manny’s accomplishments – a 7 world titles in Diff. weight divisions. That’s it. Nobody got it but Manny. So Manny can move forward to fight for middleweight… which Mayweather cannot do because he know he’ll lose. Otherwise, he could have done it before. So the pressure is not with Manny but a pure embarrassment to Mayweather. No one in his right mind can deal with the illiterates. Mayweather should have stayed retired but it’s business for him, but caused him to be degraded – a self-inflicted damage. Boxing fan
Leon’s Response: I had to stop reading after Mayweather knows his skills are no match for Manny.
Mayweather is talking of level fair of playing field! How fair he was when he weighed 146lbs for 144lbs. catchweight fight with Marquez? Mayweather should give respect to Nevada Commission procedure of drug testing. This Olympic style test is a big insult to the Commission!
Leon’s Response: Can I get an amen? I’m hoping to interview the Vegas commissioner in the near future.
Roy Jones moved up to heavyweight, and beat a true heavyweight champion, no catch weight. He wasn’t roided up so he didn’t have a hw punch. Manny is not only moving up in weight he’s putting on more muscle, no fat and his power and stamina are increasing, these I believe are the typical signs of someone using growth hormone. 7 weight classes and he doesn’t break stride? Oscar put on what, 10lbs to fight Bernardt 5 and he almost died from carrying that weight. Maybe Manny’s camp is trying to hide something, maybe not. In today’s society nothing surprises me. Manny will give blood for the HIV test, but won’t do it for the Drug Test. Arum was being vague in that area, less than one teaspoon of blood won’t zap his strength, so if he’s clean, take the test so we can see who knocks out who!
Leon’s Response: Could he be on something? Sure. Could Mayweather have been on something when he was at 54? Sure. Can many other fighters have been on something? Sure. Until the most state of the art tests are MANDATED, who is Mayweather to arbitrarily include voluntary tests as terms of a deal? Since when was Pacquiao on something, because his stamina and power have been pretty damn good as long as I’ve been watching him. What has he done that’s so suddenly suspicious He’s beaten bigger guys but anybody who started their career at 147. De La Hoya 130, Hatton 140, Cotto 140 and all the other Mexicans even lower.
I have no reason to believe that Pac is on something, but he should take the tests. If Mayweather is taking the EXACT same tests, what is the problem? Remember, Mosley passed everyone of his drug tests too and we all know what happen in the DLH fight…JB
Leon’s Response: I don’t think he shoud have to do anything that isn’t mandated by the Commission that will be selecting the judges.
Manny Pacquio is the best thing for boxing right now. I was pretty sure Mayweather would try to find a way to weasel out of the fight. If I was fighting I would follow the rules of the boxing commission, and take the test they required. The fact that he is willing to take extra tests speaks for Manny. Doing test that mean nothing, just to satisfy Mayweather is ridiculous. Steroids or HGH can be found out in urine test, blood work 30 days before and after the fight is extremely reasonable. I don’t like Mayweather, he is all mouth, he has made a career of not fighting people that could beat him. He would not fight Magaritto, Sugar Shane, or Cotto, He things he is the best of all time, tell me what position, would he be in he fought during the time of Hearns Leonard, Duran, Benitez and other welterweights. Best ever, he would not even be in my top 50 boxers of all time. He is jealous of Pacquio, he will try not to fight. He should stay retired and shut his big mouth… As I see it Paul Sauntry Bob Arum just insulted peoples inteliigence with that bullshit interview; if Mannys clean which they say he is this shouldn’t be a problem I’m dissappointed you idn’t press him more; when in fact drawing blood only hurts you 5-10 minuyes after the fact once you drink and eat simething your fine; nobody who’s knows boxing thinks Manny will beat Floyd anyway this is there of not having Manny get exposed.
Leon’s Response: I’m with you. Mayweather is more than all mouth. He was my fighter of the decade for more than his mouth. If they make the fight under the commission rules, and Manny would stop him Mayweather already has built in excuse, not that I think he’ll need one. Everybody else he should have fought lost shortly thereafter, Pacquiao hasn’t. That’s the difference. If Pacquiao lost to Cotto, he’d be in the rear view mirror to Mayweather-Cotto. Stay retired? He can’t afford that yet.
Bob Arum just insulted peoples inteliigence with that bullshit interview; if Mannys clean which they say he is this shouldn’t be a problem I’m dissappointed you idn’t press him more; when in fact drawing blood only hurts you 5-10 minuyes after the fact once you drink and eat simething your fine; nobody who’s knows boxing thinks Manny will beat Floyd anyway this is there of not having Manny get exposed.
Leon’s Response: I didn’t press him more because I didn’t see a reason to.
What up G. man Bob Arum, is so full of shit! Now it’s Floyds fault that the fights not happening? Why does this not surprise me that this will be put on Floyd? All the guy is asking for is a blood test, why can’t Manny just take the test and move on with the fight. Manny claims he wants to give his fans the best fight and all this and that, but I think many is a lil diva, with all his entourage rubbing his feet and whipping his ass. Manny is a top notch athlete, I’m sorry but in this day and time, these are the things that are asked of our professional athletes. Manny is no exception to this rule. Bob is saying its not superstition and that Manny is afraid or needles drawing his blood. Is this the same Manny that Bob says cant beat anyone…and he’s actually afraid of a needle, not the Manny that steam rolled Cotto…him? If you ask me, id say that Floyd asking for this test has finally exposed Bob Arum, Freddy and Manny for the complete bullshitters they are. Floyd wants this fight and this money more than I’ve ever seen him want a fight. You can’t fool anyone any longer Top Rank. Manny is gonna hurt himself more than anyone by not taking this fight, because even his true fans are now going to start to wonder if something is fishy. This is a sport where someone could actually die in the ring, a sport that has had a history of foul play, (Margarito etc.), Manny needs to cooperate in order to ensure that the sport is being respected. He and Floyd are both ambassadors of the sport of boxing, they both should act as such. Floyd is gonna take the same test, the playing field should be completely even for both fighters…but maybe someone just isn’t used to playing fair…MANNY. Frank G, Waldorf, Md.
Leon’s Response: It’s definitely Floyd’s fault that this went so public. The request for additional testing is coming from Floyd’s side. Pacquiao’s reluctance to agree to do more than the more he’s already agreed to is understandable. It’s not like they’re fighting in Iowa, they’re fighting in Vegas. The powers that be need to make sure that these tests are MANDATED for all title fights or all fights period, this way we will know that every fight is on the level.
Greg, you are really on your grind!!! boxingtalk is back in that “takeover” mode and you are jay z my friend. arum has always rubbed me the wrong way since pbf gave him $750k but i want to get your opinion on the drug testing issue and what do you think will and should happen as far as when the fight takes place and why doesnt manny get any flack for running for office and having to rush the promotion/fight? when will pavlik/williams take place? who you got? williams by ko
Leon’s Response: Thanks brother. Getting Mayweather away from Arum for $750k right before the ODLH and Hatton fights is the primary reason Arum hates Haymon’s guts. He allowed the concert promoter to outlawyer him and lost Picasso in the process. Williams over Pavlik.
Arum is full of it. If Manny had those stipulations and Floyd said no it would be what does he have to hide. I don’t think Manny wants to fight Floyd not in March anyway. I think if Shane beats Berto but looks less than spectacular doing it then he wins the Manny sweepstakes. Just a month ago didn’t Arum say the few stipulations that Floyd had wouldn’t be a problem? Then there is Pavlik. He cancels against Williams then fights two weeks later? Now Williams looks suspect after his last fight now its hurry up and sign on the dotted line! Arum is a good promoter but tell him to stop pulling the wool over peoples eyes. It’s easy cause Floyd has always been the villain but I have always thought that Manny wouldn’t sign until after the Mosley/Berto fight. Like Floyd said listen to Manny’s interview after the Cotto fight he never said I want to fight Floyd! Now that the fight seems like its not coming off its all Floyd’s fault for ridiculous demands that Arum said were no issues when he left to go to the Phillipines to talk to Manny. Tiger-Quintette,Fl
Leon’s Response: In all of his years in the business, I can’t ever recall a single instance where Arum requested additional drug testing. Perhaps you can educate me on that one. Perhaps these are new stipulations that have just come up. Who knows? All we know is what’s being spoon fed to us in bits and pieces.
Greg I read your article on the Floyd Mayweather – Manny drug testing situation and I must admit that I am on both sides of the fence. One side of the fence you are already aware of because you happened to already have written the article. Manny shouldn’t have to do anything beyond what is required. But I do have to address the naivity of some people assessing the situation. We live in a generation where Tiger Woods is now associated (along with Dana Torres the 42 year old swimmer who won gold medals stating she just “works harder” than everyone else) with a doctor who is being investigated for HGH use and supply. Shane Mosely used performance enhancing drugs and passed with flying colors every “Urine” test given to him. Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and other suspected cheats were only caught because Victor Conte’s lab was raided; yet no failed drug tests and no physical proof of their use. And now we are here with Manny Pacquiao and some of the same signs of potential use are there. Could he be clean? Absolutely could be; no doubt. But you yourself said you have never seen anything like Manny…and Floyd and I both agree. Ever seen someone come up from 116 to 147 and walk through another welterweights punches like they don’t hurt? Ever seen a fighter come up from 130 and KO fighters with one punch? Lets look some cases here. Roy Jones moved up from middleweight to eventually light heavyweight. His punch output dropped and no longer was he knocking guys out as easily as he was at the lower weights. Yet Manny, who no one would ever confuse with Roy Jones Jr., continues to climb weight classes and seems to be faster and hitting harder than ever? Its the same thing that made people question Barry Bonds. 70 homeruns from a guy who hadn’t hit over 40? He could have had a great year; or he could have some help. But the proof is in the test. And while this is unfair to Manny at some point boxing needs to get with the times. Its too much doping out there for boxing to continue to “pee in the cup” method of testing for cheating. Again, Shane Mosely passed every test he ever took. He didn’t fail one. So saying Manny never failed a test isn’t validity that he is clean. It simply means he is clean of taking anything that a pee test will detect. I honestly just want to see them fight. What an awesome contrast of styles. But again Im torn. If I had to choose one way that it would be for Manny to take the test, pass them, then go and try and knock Floyd out. If he did that; no one would ever question him again. But wrangling over this test when you are supposedly clean makes him seem guilty even if he likely is not. C-neil
Leon’s Response: Never seen anything like him, but he has improved big time. He now uses two hands and that makes him twice as dangerous as the one handed fighter who was too much for Barrera, Morales and the draw with Marquez. De La HOya was flat and barely hit him. Hatton didn’t last too long and Cotto is the only one who landed solid shots on him and guess what, had Cotto not gotten caught with punches he never saw, he could have beaten Pacquiao with the body work he was putting in while on the offensive. Roy went up from 75 to face a 232 lb heavyweight champion, a much greater difference than the 30 pounds you speak of.
G – Nice piece on “Money’s” financial woes, very interesting. I don’t think Pac/Arum are going to budge on the blood test and Floyd knows this. Floyd will end up taking the fight for the reasons you mentioned and he also has a great alibi if he loses to Pac. He’ll just say it wasn’t fair and Pac was on steroids just like Floyd’s gonna say when a clean Shane Mosley beats him after “the beast” gets done with him. Floyd’s that kid from school who always talks about all the women and money he gets, but the truth is, he’s eating Ramen noodles at lunch and not getting laid much……….Keep up the great work. Tyler
Leon’s Response: It’ll be interesting to see what happens from here that’s for sure, but I’m very disappointed corruption has come to the forefront on a fight that should be bringing boxing back into the spotlight. Floyd’s made (and lost) more money than most of us will ever make and I’m sure during that time he’s hasn’t had a hard time getting laid.
