I was in hopes that this weeks ‘Ringside With Raymundo’ focused on the recent signing of the mega match between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather.
I had anticipated waiting until the last minute to write, so as to compile all the available information for the readers of 411 about the March 13 fight.
Well, as everyone who follows boxing knows by now, the negotiations for the fight have hit a wall.
It doesn’t look too good, either.
It was announced on Tuesday, December 22 (Why couldn’t this get done for Santa Day? It would have been a treat for boxing fans), that Manny Pacquiao and Co. are refusing to submit to Olympic style drug testing leading up to, and following the fight. This type of testing, which isn’t required by the NSAC (Nevada State Athletic Commission) entails blood tests on top of boxing’s traditional urine tests. Mayweather and Co., which reportedly didn’t have any qualms about the money split, size of gloves, or location, will be sticking to this demand.
Floyd Mayweather
“I understand Pacquiao not liking having his blood taken, because frankly I don’t know anyone who really does,” said Mayweather. “But in a fight of this magnitude, I think it is our responsibility to subject ourselves to sportsmanship at the highest level. I have already agreed to the testing and it is a shame that he is not willing to do the same. It leaves me with great doubt as to the level of fairness I would be facing in the ring that night. I hope that this is either some miscommunication or that Manny will change his mind and step up and allow these tests, which were good enough for all these other great athletes, to be performed by USADA.”
Leonard Ellerbe- Mayweather manager
“As Floyd’s management, we are insistent that there be a level playing field,” Ellerbe said. “This is in the best interests of the fighters, the fans and the sport. If you want a level playing field, the best way to do it is to have Olympic-style, random drug testing administered by the premier agency in the world, the [United States Anti-Doping Agency].”
Richard Schaefer, Golden Boy Promotions CEO
“It is unfortunate to hear this from Manny Pacquiao’s representatives, particularly since, as of today, both parties had worked out all other issues related to this fight,” said Schaefer. “Team Mayweather is certainly surprised that an elite athlete like Manny Pacquiao would refuse drug testing procedures which Floyd has already agreed to and have been agreed to by many other top athletes such as Lance Armstrong, and Olympians Michael Phelps, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.”
What seems to be an even bigger issue is the fact that Pacquiao’s team is adamantly standing behind him. Both manager Bob Arum and trainer Freddie Roach are sticking by the Pac Man’s side, and jointly agree that Mayweather needs Pacquiao, not the other way around, and Pacquiao has other fights lined up if the March 13 bout falters.
Bob Arum, Top Rank- Pacquiao promoter
“We’re not going to agree to have Manny give blood in training, because that’s stupid,” Arum said. “Every doctor in the world will tell you that it’s stupid. He’ll give his blood at the beginning of the year and he’s willing to be urine-tested 24/7, but blood doesn’t show [expletive] and he’s not going to do it.”
Michael Koncz- Pacquiao advisor
“Manny has a lot more options than Mayweather does,” Koncz said. “Manny is clean and he’s never done a thing, and he’s willing to go to great lengths to prove it. It’s my understanding that this stuff doesn’t just leave your system overnight.”
Freddie Roach- Pacquiao trainer
“I really don’t care, because Manny doesn’t need Floyd Mayweather,” Roach said. “The tests he’s requesting are not commission tests, they’re not boxing tests and this is not an Olympic sport. A urine test is just as qualified as a blood test. [Human growth hormone] is not detected by blood or urine.”
The strained relationship between Bob Arum and Floyd Mayweather, who had a previous fighter-promoter relationship that ended badly, could now be the difference in making the fight. Arum was already speaking of other possible opponents for Pacquiao in Edwin Valero and Humberto Soto. Arum would most likely immediately start negotiations with those two fighters at a moment’s notice from his fighter Pacquiao.
Richard Schaefer’s comment stated that ALL other factors of the fight had been previously agreed to. So this fight was 99.9 percent done, and all parties we’re moments away from going public and formally announcing the fight.
That’s frustrating to know.
It will be even more frustrating if this actually prohibits the fight from ever occurring. This is the inevitable stand-off that everyone saw coming, yet not due to this circumstance. It sounds above and beyond to enforce this enhanced testing, especially when the NSAC doesn’t even require it.
Yet to not fight at all would be ludicrous, and harmful to the momentum that boxing has had in its recent years.
THROUGH MY EYES
All of the interest in light-welterweight Timothy Bradley recently is very well deserved. It is a privilege to witness a future champion work his way up from your own area, (Southern California). I have covered many Bradley fights, and now he is considered the top 140 fighter. Now who should he fight next? I am thinking a win over Khan could do great things internationally for Bradley and would be a highlight name on his win list – then maybe Paulie Malignaggi. A Pacquiao fight may never evolve, but hey, let Bradley and Co. reach for the skies, cause then they will at least reach the stars of the sport… Sam Peter is trying to call out either of the Klitschko’s after his win last weekend. Are you serious? Peter already lost to Vitali, (whom I actually gave Peter a punchers chance against), and now he’s calling out either one? “Doesn’t matter who — either of the Klitschko’s for starters,” said Peter. Someone slipped some liquor into Peter’s egg nog… Poor Bernard Hopkins, he wanted a bout with Roy Jones Jr. close to his Jan. 15 birthday, which was squashed when Jones was hammered by Danny Green. Hopkins will turn 45 without a dance partner. Hopkins should face either Adamek or Dawson. Hey, if you had the choice between facing either one, it’s ludicrous to sit around and not sign down to fight one of them. Let’s go!… The Super Six will start again next year. I’m wondering if the general boxing fans are watching. At least its here for the junkies! I think it’s interesting, and wouldn’t be a bad idea for other divisions to attempt…
My thoughts on Vazquez v. Marquez IV?
Wow, it’ll be epic, but haven’t they beaten up on each other enough? They deserve big pay days, the both of them, but at what cost? I know it will be one thrill of a ride, but here’s to hoping each come out healthy after the dust is settled… Dear Santa, please make Top Rank’s boxing shows next year as good as USA’s Tuesday Night Fights. Please tell Mr. Arum to throw at least one big name on his roster on cable T.V…
