Although, a squabble over drug testing has apparently put the bout in “jeopardy,” according to Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s representatives, the boxer’s promoter has petitioned the state of Nevada for a permit to stage the megafight against Manny Pacquiao at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, a state official told The Times Tuesday.
“They’ve made a date request for MGM for the fight, for both March 13 and May 1,” Nevada State Athletic Commission executive officer Keith Kizer said.
A source close to the negotiations but not authorized to speak publicly told The Times on Tuesday “MGM … that’s where it is going to be.”
The bout has been verbally negotiated to take place March 13, although the May 1 option was earlier considered.
Kizer said the Nevada commission will consider the date request by Golden Boy Promotions at its meeting in January.
A host of other sites, including Staples Center ($20-million guarantee) and Jerry Jones’ Dallas Cowboys Stadium ($25 million), offered to stage the bout.
But the MGM Grand offers a possible $28-million live gate, according to fight sources, and another $4 million in closed-circuit sales.
