Earlier today it seemed that the heavily discussed March 13th bout between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather was all but lost. Speaking out of sheer frustration, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum simply stated ‘It’s over’ in question to whether or not the bout could find a way to be made amongst disagreements between both camps on the recent Olympic drug testing fiasco.
Upon hearing that the bout was on life support, rumors began circulating that both Paulie Malignaggi and WBO Jr. Welterweight champion Timothy Bradley were being considered as replacements for Pacquiao on March 13th . While both men are fine fighters in their own right, either one would be looked at as a consolation prize at this point and the public was forced to deal with the reality that the fight we wanted all along may not be taking place.
While things were looking bleak there is still a very real chance that the bout could be made, thanks to the possible involvement of the Nevada State Athletic Commission. In an interview with FanHouse, Arum gave his exact thoughts.
“Keith Kizer, the executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, has been authorized to offer the services of the Nevada Commission to step in and to do all of the preflight drug testing if the two fighters agree,” Arum stated.
“So this is a real development,” Arum continued. “Because we would certainly be willing to sit down and work out a protocol with them. The Nevada Commission would be perfect to handle this. We would love it. It’s something that is a positive development.”
The news certainly has given new life the possibility of the contest taking place and we should hope that everyone can act things out accordingly as grown men in a serious effort towards making the bout happen.
Bradley and Malignaggi watch from the sidelines
If Pacquiao-Mayweather does indeed dissolve, two men who are ready and willing to step in to face Pacquiao are the above mentioned Malignaggi and Bradley.
It was reported that Arum had contacted Malignaggi recently about filling in the March 13th date and the Brooklyn fighter’s promoter Lou Dibella confirmed that he and his charge would discuss things over the weekend.
Many of Pacquiao’s fans would relish the chance of seeing Malignaggi in the ring with their man, as the outspoken former titlist recently has been extremely vocal about his belief that Pacquiao has been up to something behind closed doors. Seeing Manny face off with his accuser is something that would give the Pacquiao faithful something to root for.
But word on the street is that HBO isn’t too keen on a Malignaggi matchup and is much more inclined to see what Bradley could bring to the table. In a recent interview with The Sweet Science’s David Avila, Bradley’s manager Cameron Dunkin gave his thoughts.
“HBO thinks a fight with Timothy Bradley is a good action fight,” said Dunkin. “They don’t think Malignaggi would be a crowd pleasing fight.”
Bradley himself is in complete agreement.
“I would love to fight the guy if Mayweather don’t want to fight,” Bradley told Avila. “Any time, just let me know. It’s as simple as that. I’m willing to step in if they want to fight someone who is hungry and who really wants to fight.”
Whether Pacquiao ends up facing Mayweather, Malignaggi, Bradley or someone else, perhaps we should be happy that he is just getting back in the ring again, period.
Uncle Jeff gives his thoughts
One man who has been critical of Pacquiao’s initial refusal to go through with the Olympic style drug testing is Mayweather’s Uncle Jeff. Currently a trainer to top level professionals and amateurs in the Las Vegas area, Mayweather is seen by many as the only level-headed member of the Mayweather clan yet can be just as outspoken if given the chance. I asked the trainer his thoughts on the recent developements.
“I personally believe that the time has come for boxing to start stepping up for the betterment of the sport,” Uncle Jeff claimed. “I believe only a fight of this magnitude can bring about change. I feel that if you have nothing to hide you comply with whats being asked of you.”
In closing Jeff gave his thoughts as to what would happen if this fight indeed doesn’t make it to the finish line.
“It will be a huge blow if the fight never happens but I also think it will forever be a part of history. It will have forever changed boxing in a better way and both guys will forever be synonous and attached to the changes made in the sport of boxing good or bad forever. Time changes everything”
