Thanks for visiting Ringside Report and checking out my mailbag. I hope all of you had a terrific holiday season and are having a comfortable time easing back into your normal routines.
So I know I said last week that I was done with the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao talk, but a couple of new tidbits of information have come out so I’ll give my thoughts on those.
The mediator’s attempt to salvage Pacquiao vs. Mayweather was a resounding failure. The closest that the two parties came to an agreement was making the cut off date 24 days, meaning that Mayweather and Pacquiao would be subjected to random blood tests up until 24 days before the fight. Pacquiao originally gave the cut off date of 30 days, whereas Mayweather wanted testing up until the day of the fight.
The most damning piece of evidence against Pacquiao that came out of the leaked talks from the mediation is that the Mayweather camp proposed a cut off of 14 days. Pacquiao rejected that offer saying that the closest that he would go was 24 days.
In my previous mailbags I suggested and stated my opinion that a compromise cut off date of 10-14 days would be fair. That time frame would be more than enough time to recover from any ill effects of blood testing. That is also a small enough window where using performance enhancing drugs would be either found by the testing, or would be taken is small enough doses to where it would not be a factor. Both parties would win.
Many Pacquiao fans who were lambasting Floyd Mayweather also stated that they were sure that Pacquiao would agree to a reasonable cutoff date but that Mayweather would not because he did not want to fight.
Well the news is in and Pacquiao was the one who refused the reasonable cutoff date of 14 days. Like I said before, this is more than enough time to recover, physically and mentally, from the minor bloodletting that is required for this testing. Floyd gave up more territory from his initial position than Pacquiao did during mediation. Mayweather gave up 13 days, whereas Pacquiao only gave up 6 days.
I still lay equal blame on both Mayweather and Pacquiao for this fight not getting made. Mayweather is to blame for demanding unprecedented testing. Pacquiao is to blame for being unreceptive to the increased security against doping and for failure to compromise when negotiating the cut off date. I don’t want to hear from the fanboys on either side about how only one participant is 100% to blame because that is nonsense. The egos of both Pacquiao and Mayweather are so big that they are unable to agree on anything. Note to the fighters: put your egos to the side for a moment and do this for the fans!
Future Urine Test For HGH
I read and article that said that no Olympic athlete has ever tested positive using the HGH blood test. Therefore, the USADA is supporting a urine test for HGH. Hope you could research more of this. Find out if it’s true or not.
-Benjie
Benjie,
This is true. The only validated test that is authorized to detect HGH right now is a blood test, and unfortunately that test is not very good. You have to get very lucky to catch an HGH user with that blood test because the blood test can only detect it within a couple days of use. Since one takes HGH in training camp and rarely very close to the event, it is no surprise that the Olympics have never caught an HGH user. Random (or daily but that is a bit extreme) testing done early on in training camp is your only hope to catch an HGH user, and even then it is not a sure positive test.
The urine test to test for HGH is the way of the future, but unfortunately this test is in the very early stages of development. The HGH urine test needs more testing and validation before it can be approved for use by regulation bodies. Just a thought, if the HGH urine test is ready in a year’s time, then the blood test would be unnecessary. Pacquiao and Mayweather would be able to fight because the last issue would be resolved. Let’s hope those researchers get on it!
Depression Sets In
Mr. B,
In my humble opinion, if it’s not against Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao should just retire and concentrate on trying to become the best family man he can be. When he can find the right balance, he can also help the needy through his various charitable projects in the Philippines. He should forget about politics because it is a very corrupt field more than even boxing.
Same for Mayweather, if not against Pacquiao, he too should just retire and try to also help the needy instead. He won’t face the best in his division anyhow!
I’m still a boxing fan and a follower of your write-ups even without those two guys active, Mr. B.
-Tito
Tito,
Interesting take Tito, thank you for the email. For personal and selfish reasons (I enjoy watching both of them fight) I would hope that they did not go this course. Giving up boxing to run charitable projects would be a very noble way to go and I would commend them. But for a guy name Floyd “Money” Mayweather that outcome is not likely!
The NYAC Is Shamed!
Hi Brian! I’ve been reading your mailbags for many years but this is my first time to send you one question. You mentioned that steroids when taken during training will help build muscles, making one stronger and quicker. It can also be out of the system by the fight but still the benefit of it is there.
How come that NSAC drug testing experts doesn’t know about this? If it is so, then they should have a dope (blood) testing throughout the training up to post fight. Why do they only require urine testing before and after the fight? This is a serious blow to the credibility of the commission that they are not doing their job to promote fairness among the boxers. It seems that you know more about steroids more than the NSAC commission, shame to them!
-Reno
Reno,
The urine tests are cheap and are very good and catching almost everything (but not everything obviously) so a urine test only is the economical way to go. Every known PED can be detected by urine except for HGH and perhaps new designer drugs that are not known to the commissions.
As stated above, the blood test that tests for HGH is very expensive and requires random, repeated testing to be effective. No one has ever tested positive for HGH in the Olympics and is a testament to the poor quality of the test more than the innocence of the Olympics athletes. The NSAC probably figures, why would they pay that much for a test that has a very low probability of catching dopers?
Pacquiao’s Innocence
Good day Brian! In a reply to a message sender, you said that Pacquiao can “prove his innocence” by submitting to the drug test. Pacquiao doesn’t have to prove his innocence, legally or morally. Mayweather’s camp is the one accusing Manny of some baseless crap, they have the burden of proving such. In debates and in the legal world, an accused does not have the burden of proving his innocence, it is the job of the accuser to submit evidence regarding their accusations.
-Powerpac
Powerpac,
Legally and morally you are exactly right. However the court of public opinion is not always fair. Many American fans who are used to their heroes being caught with steroids will believe just about any allegation.
I am not one of the general public who questions Pacquiao, however I know that a large percentage of Americans are very confused and suspicious of Pacquiao because of his refusal to take the blood test. His reputation has taken a huge hit because of it. This is not fair but it is true.
Test Right After vs. Right Before The Fight
Just would like to ask your stand regarding this drug test hullabaloo between Pacman and Mayweather. I am a big fan of boxing and frankly speaking, I want this fight to happen. Since drug testing is the biggest obstacle for this fight to happen, I asked numerous medical practitioners (about 5 of them, medical technologists included) if drugs, especially steroids and HGH, will not be detected “immediately after the fight” rather than “immediately before the fight”.
Surprisingly, all of them told me that the result “immediately before and immediately after the fight” will be almost identical since the time frame involved “immediately before and immediately after the fight” will be no more than 90 or 100 minutes assuming the fight goes the distance. It could even be less if it ended in knockout. What then is the problem of having the test done after the fight rather than before the fight? Thank you and more power…regards.
-Ronald
Ronald,
The problem is that Pacquiao would not agree to a blood test any less than 30 days prior to the fight. 30 days is a huge gap in time, plenty of time to take a PED and get it out of your system.
The key to working out a deal is the cut off date for when the blood test can be performed. Seven days prior to the fight would probably be sufficient at catching any PED and would be enough time for Manny to recover from any ill effects of giving blood.
During arbitration, the closest that Pacquiao would relent was 24 days. Mayweather was willing to agree to 14 days prior to the fight. That 10 day gap was the reason that the fight did not come to fruition. Personally, I thought that the 14 day cut off date, meaning that the fighters would be blood tested up until 14 days prior to the fight, was a fair middle ground.
Ill Feeling After Letting Blood
Hi Brian,
I can’t help but feel disappointed by your argument that blood letting will not weaken someone’s body as you’ve constantly witnessed it yourself. Let me just remind you that each one of us has unique body elements inside of us-that our bodies may react differently from each other in a blood letting situation. Furthermore, our psychological & emotional resistance against blood letting differs from any other person too.
So why compare your body to Manny the same way people say they will both be tested anyway? Come to think of it.
Regards,
-Reuvien
Reuvien,
The amount of blood that they will be taking is not enough to have a physical impact if done more that 2-3 days before fight. Physically there is no impact. Giving blood in pints is much more taxing than giving a bit of blood for a test.
The impact is mental. I mentioned this several times within the last couple of weeks. The mental disadvantage from someone who does not like taking blood (Pacquiao) is much greater than someone who does not mind (Mayweather). I do not discount that Pacquiao would be at a mental disadvantage if he agrees to the blood test and am disappointed that you did not read my entire column to realize this. When I said blood letting would not hurt Pacquiao I was talking purely from a physical standpoint.
Source of the Allegations and Where the Blame Goes
Brian,
Great column. I look forward to reading it every week. My question is in regards to the allegations levied against Pacquiao. Do boxing writers consider the source of the allegations before jumping on the bandwagon? Mayweather Senior is not exactly the most credible source of information having a shady past, doing time in prison. He has also had a history of bashing Pacquiao’s accomplishments. In the past he has also said “steroids don’t give you no skills” and that Floyd Jr. would have an easy time against Pacquiao. I would be interested in your comments.
Now that the potential fight is over, who do you think won the public relations battle over this matter. Will Pacquiao now be viewed with suspicion although he has never tested positive for any PEDs? Will Mayweather still be criticized for ducking the best fighters who have the chance of beating him? I am always interested in your unbiased opinion.
Thanks,
Herminio Hernando Herminio,
I can’t speak for every writer, but I know that the allegations from the Mayweather clan are baseless. Floyd Senior has zero credibility in my eyes.
However, the origins of the allegations does not diminish the fact that the NSAC testing is not able to catch all performance enhancing drugs. This crazy world of pro sports that we live in, it seems like everyone and their mothers are taking steroids. This is why the general public was so receptive to Mayweather’s demands of additional testing.
People are split right down the middle on where to lay the blame and are very opinionated. Pacquiao supporters have placed all the blame on Mayweather. These individuals claim that Mayweather is doing whatever he can do avoid a real challenger and that he has demanded unprecedented testing for no reason.
Mayweather fans and Americans who are desensitized to steroid use in sports have placed the blame on Pacquiao. These individuals feel like Pacquiao is hiding something, and even if he isn’t, just take the test and prove your innocence because saying that giving a teaspoon will weaken you beyond repair is a lame and untrue excuse.
This is not a simple rift where all of the blame can unanimously be laid on one party. I see both points of view and do not blame either party more than the other, especially after hearing that Pacquiao turned down the 14 day cut off. This is a complex issue between two completely different points of view.
Perhaps differing cultures plays a role. Asian cultures, where other things are more important than money opposed to the “anything for money” thinking of American culture likely played a role in Pacquiao’s decision.
The Truth Behind Pacquiao’s Refusal
Hey Brian, long time reader, and first time email drop. I’m just commenting off of your latest piece, mainly about why Pacquiao is refusing random blood testing that could lead up to fight night.
I believe Pacman should not have to bend over for any fighter that’s demanding him to potentially have random blood tests that could even be taken from 2 days, 1 day, or even one on fight night. He’s more than willing to take unlimited urine tests leading up to the fight, 3 blood tests that also includes one test immediately AFTER the fight.
There are many videos showing that Pacquiao blames a blood test for his loss to Erik Morales. I’m sure the Mayweather camp did their homework on this one, and are looking into a way to gain an advantage over Manny come fight night, and I’m convinced their trying to pull of or recreate a Morales I fight tactic against Manny.
I hope you can take the time to view Pacman’s interview (post Pacquiao vs. Morales I) with English subs to see this for yourself.
Thanks in advance.
-icCaballero
icCaballero,
I’ve seen those videos before and realize that his experiences of giving blood prior to Erik Morales is a big reason why Pacquiao has his hesitations and superstitions about the blood testing prior to fights.
I don’t believe that giving such a small amount of blood a couple days before the fight can affect you that much, if at all. The disadvantage for Pacquiao is mental.
My question though, is was the loss to Morales due to giving blood or not wearing the right gloves? Hmm, seems like a lot of excuses or what ifs appear after a loss.
Mayweather Didn’t Want the Fight
As Larry Merchant would say, what’s Mayweather gonna do if he imposes that random testing and Pacquiao was caught? Is he gonna cancel the fight? You see, if there was not a single instance where someone was caught using HGH, would you believe they would catch Pacquiao? This whole scenario is just to distract Pacquiao.
Listen, I know you are not 100 percent Manny Pacquiao here. I know that one already, you have already proved that with our countless debates about Juan Manuel Marquez, but please, don’t tell me that you don’t see the big picture here of what Mayweather really wanted with that random testing man. Frankly, I’m not really sure if he wanted this fight in the first place.
I hope all of the opponents of Mayweather in the comings months will be subjected to USADA testing. Let’s see where he gets his opponents. I hope it’s not a blown up lightweight again. You see, he has more to lose here than Pacquiao. Let’s see if the top people at HBO would still care for this primadonna.
The biggest loser in this is the Golden Boy. They would have made money from Mayweather and Pacquiao, instead, they got their whole time wasted by Mayweather and they got a lawsuit coming in. Not only defamation from Pacquiao but Arum is also wanting to get rid of Golden Boy’s promotional rights to Pacquiao. Isn’t it ironic that they keep bashing Pacquiao when they have promotional rights with the man? Schaefer did it when they were negotiating it with Hatton and he did it again when with Mayweather.
-Benjie
Benjie,
I also hope that Mayweather demands the USADA testing on all of his future opponents for two reasons. First I want to see how his potential opponents react. Second, there is no more reason to accuse Pacquiao of using PEDs compared to any other boxer since there is no evidence against him.
But you make a good point about how this testing is a bit illogical. Would Mayweather really cancel the fight and the 50 million dollar payday that came with it if Pacquiao did test positive? And the fact that the only thing that you can’t catch with a urine test is HGH and the blood test for HGH is not very effective either. This seems like much ado over a small chance of a positive test.
RSR Mythical Match Ups
Happy New YEAR Wilburr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brian, you get bombarded by fantasy matches most time out and you dissect each one perfectly. Yes, your Mailbag has seen virtually all the dream matches that one could think of save for those that truly matters:
Dissect these fantasy bouts:
1. Geno “Gambino” McGahee vs “Bad” Brad Berkwitt
Between the sick, twisted mind and the honorable G.I. Joe, who gets the upper-hand?
2. Mike “Rubber Warrior” Plunkett vs Geoff “The Professor” Poundes
Which is mightier, rubber or the pen?
3. George Diaz Smith vs Jeff Stoyanoff
History or the Modern?
4. Daniel “Tex” Cohen vs Gina L. Caliboso
Cowboy or the Amazon Princess?
5. Grim X vs Eric Fleming
Powerhouses. Nukes. This is a true heavyweight match-up.
-SJ Jarapa
SJ,
1. I think Brad used to be an amateur boxer and Geno’s biggest fight experience was watching professional wrestling as a kid. I’ll go with Brad by TKO, although Geno is my editor so if he doesn’t like this response he will probably edit it. (Managing Editor’s Note: Geno by UD.) (Publisher Note: Brian had it right McGahee. In your dreams, by UD.
2. I’ll be lame and call a draw that has fans clamoring for a rematch
3. Stoyanoff pounds George from pillar to post but Diaz Smith pays off the judges so they award him a controversial decision.
4. Gina kicks Tex in the grapes while the ref is distracted and wins by KO.
5. I have to go with my man Grim. He seems like he could handle himself in the ring.
That’s it boxing fans. Come back next week for another edition of my mailbag. Thanks for reading and take care.
