Negotiations are set to begin this week for the “Fight of the Century”. Congressman Pacquiao and “Money” Mayweather will begin formal discussions, through their respective promoters, over the possibility of facing each other later this year. These negotiations are expected to be lengthy and emotional. But are there any indications that these negotiations will be successful? I have gone on record numerous times saying that this epic encounter won’t happen this year. I do not believe Floyd Jr and the Congressman can come to a mutual compromise anytime soon. There are too many factors that will prevent this fight from happening. So let’s examine some of the major factors: Drug Testing This is obviously the major hurdle in successfully completing fight negotiations between both parties. As it has been stated numerous times, Floyd Jr wants random drug testing that involves taking blood. Durin the first round of negotiations, Manny Pacquiao was willing to be blood tested up to 24 days before the fight and immediately after the fight. Floyd Jr wanted to go up to 14 days before the fight. Neither side was willing to budge and the fight negotiations ultimately broke down. Since then, Floyd Jr’s camp has said they want every opponent to submit to this USADA drug testing and that they won’t agree to a cut-off date. Recently, Manny’s camp has said they would compromise and come down to 17 days. If there was no compromise between 24 and 14 days, what makes anyone think there will be a compromise between 0 and 17 days? The Purse Austin Browning Sacramento, CA “Didn’t Floyd say he wanted a larger percentage of the purse?” A few months ago, Floyd Jr said that if he were to fight Manny he would only do it if he got a larger percentage of the purse. This demand sparked an outrage with Top Rank Promotions ‘top dog’ Bob Arum; who said that there’s no way they would ever agree to a fight that wasn’t 50/50. Now, this might be a factor that’s easier to negotiate on, nevertheless, it’s just one more annoying factor than can lead to another round of failed discussions. Other Opponents Jesse Nelson Sacramento, CA “If Manny and Floyd don’t fight each other, then who will they fight next? Manny Pacquiao can easily bypass Floyd Jr and take another fight with a former champion. Antonio Margarito is waiting on the sidelines for the coach to call him in. Margarito has gone on record several times, including during my interview with him, that he wants to fight Pacquiao and that he would beat him. Bob Arum has also stated that he wants Margarito. Freddie Roach just recently said that Margarito is Plan B should talks with Mayweather Jr fail. For Floyd Jr, there are also other potential opponents even though you can never guess who he will fight next. But Paul Williams has been demanding a fight with Floyd and Sergio Martinez says he’s interested. Both guys would give Floyd a good fight and both are credible fighters. Conclusion Like the title says, “Fool me once, Shame on you. Fool me twice, Shame on me.” I will not fall for this again. Until these sides can compromise on the issues, and/or the NSAC adopts blood testing, then there won’t be a fight. Like the theme song for CSI Miami says ” We won’t be fooled again”.
