Mayweather vs. Pacquiao dealbreaker?

[mix]

According to Golden Boy Promotions, who have represented Mayweather throughout the lengthy and on-going negotiations with Arum’s company, Pacquiao is refusing to submit to Olympic style drug testing as mandated by the United States Anti-Doping Agency. Mayweather’s representatives want to be assured Pacquiao, who began his career as a 106-pound fighter but now is overwhelming men as big as 147-pound champion Miguel Cotto and former middleweight belt holder De La Hoya, is not using performance enhancing drugs.

http://www.thesweetscience.com/boxing-article/7555/bloody-truth-tss-style/

[H2O Man]

1. Mayweather

and his camp are fully aware of some reports about Pacquiao, that indicate that the Pac Man's increasing size and endurance are quite similar to Evander Holyfield's, years ago. Like Holyfield, Pacquiao has been protected by a "good guy" image, and by not having to submit to the medical tests that could prove -- one way or the other -- if he is using banned substances.

Pacquiao's unwillingness to take the tests seems curious. This is especially true, in light of the fact that the Mayweather camp has raised the issue long before any negotiations even began.

[Kingofalldems]

2. He claimed the drawing of blood would weaken him

A weak argument.

[H2O Man]

3. I've spoken with

a couple people in the past 24 hours, who are connected to the sport. One is familiar with the person being quoted in some news articles, from the group that Mayweather wants to do the testing. The Mayweather camp has some pretty solid concerns about what specifically Pacquiao appears to have taken in the past, to prepare for his fights in the higher divisions. A urine test could not provide any answer. But a blood test can.

The response from Pacquiao's side is weak, indeed.

[mix]

4. The Sweet Science thinks Mayweather will back down,

and that Pacquiao's counter-proposal will be enough to satisfy everyone...I agree.

It's psyche-warfare too.

They'll fight on Pacquiao's terms in the end, and Mayweather will have lost (this) pre-fight psychological battle. It was a mistake for him to even have brought it up. Filthy lucre will bring everyone together.

Fair enough and far from unreasonable, but if Pacquiao agrees to pre-and-post fight blood testing for PEDs, which it seems he already has, the likelihood that this bout will not happen because of a 30-day blood test not being in effect is well, RIDICULOUS. By their own admittance, Pacquiao has already agreed to having blood drawn before and after the fight, which is more than the Nevada State Athletic Commission demands. The NSAC only tests urine and does not do more sophisticated tests for human growth hormone.

[H2O Man]

5. While it is possible

that Floyd will accept something less than he is currently called for, I think he has already won the first round. Manny & Co are being defensive. Floyd has already gotten under his skin. By the time they get into the ring, Pacquiao is going to hate Floyd, and want to drive his teeth down his throat. For Team Mayweather, that's perfect.

I do hope Floyd sticks to his demands, though. He'll come out on top. Pacquiao needs him, far more than Floyd needs Manny.

I got a kick out of the editorial in the new edition of The Ring. The editor is becoming depressed, because he realizes that Floyd will probably win the fight.

[H2O Man]

6. Update:

Bob Arum is now trying to pressure Team Mayweather by saying they will have Pacquiao fight Paul Malignaggi instead of Floyd in March. They are also saying that they will sue Floyd Jr and Sr.

First, a fight with Malignaggi isn't going to make a lot of money. Second, Paul has been far more vocal than Floyd about Pacquiao's use of banned substances to enhance his move up in the weight classes. It's not like it's a secret in the sport. And third, boxing/sports fans are going to look closely at why Manny is refusing to take the specific tests needed to insure that he is not breaking the rules.

[mix]

7. lawyers and lawsuits...Pacquiao rattled?

Mayweather's allegations against Pacquiao are just that, allegations and rumors...and the testing regime that Floyd wants is not legally required in NV, if I understand correctly...does pro boxing really want what Mayweather is calling for? Greater scrutiny of PED and its athletes? This might be a precedent that few besides Team Mayweather want...

[H2O Man]

8. I think that

everyone, excluding those with financial interests enhanced by looking the other way when certain boxers break the rules, are in favor of what Mayweather is requesting. I do not know of anyone who doesn't, and it's a topic that I've discussed with people from coast to coast. It's no different than people not wanting guys like Margarito to load their handwraps. Few people, I suspect, do not think that there are ways to improve the sport, with a focus on safety and fairness.

[mix]

9. of course the fighters should be clean

but Mayweather is not going to get his way on this...i'm pulling for him in the ring though.

[H2O Man]

10. Team Pacquiao is counting

on the public's love for Manny, and contempt for Floyd. But things are changing. Oscar de la Hoya is starting to take the Mayweather position. It's hard to compete with what Floyd is bringing to the table on this issue. Even a number of Pacquiao supporters recognize that Mayweather is correct.

[mix]

11. Would Manny test dirty? nt

[H2O Man]

12. At times,

from my understanding of what several people closer to the action have explained to me. They say that he has been doing a banned substance on a schedule that keeps him from getting caught. What Mayweather (and now others) are advocating is a type of testing that would catch anyone who is cheating the system. Sounds fair to me, and it seems from the reaction, Pacquiao may have something that he wants to hide. If not, I think that he would be more than willing to be tested at any time.

[mix]

13. update: Pacquiao files suit against Mayweather

"Mr. Pacquiao simply could not allow these false, reckless and malicious statements to go unanswered," Pacquiao's attorney Daniel Petrocelli told Reuters.

"He had no choice but to file this law suit to protect his good name and reputation which has been earned after years and years of hard work.

"Whether or not the fight goes forward, whoever he fights next, he's not going to sit by and let people publicly accuse him of being a cheater. There is absolutely no basis for such statements to be made about him."

"The $75,000 figure is simply the minimum that one has to allege in order to sue in federal court," Petrocelli added. "The damages in this case for Pacquiao's reputation are in the tens of millions of dollars, not including punitive damages."

Last week, Pacquiao said he had run out of patience.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BU03820091231?type=sportsNews