The challenge has been accepted, the arena set, so what is posing a threat to the impending most anticipated showdown between two of boxing's greats? A simple drug test.
Breaking news coming from the Mayweather camp is that Manny strongly opposes the "Olympic-style" drug testing being requested by the Mayweather which involves drawing of blood to determine the presence steroids or other performance enhancement drugs before the fight. The reason Pacquiao is refusing to being subjected to a random blood test 30 days prior to the bout as mandated by the US Anti-Doping Agency.
Superstition of testing so close to the fight.
"Todd told me that Pacquiao has difficulty with taking blood and doesn't want to do it so close to the fight," Golden Boy (Mayweather's promotion company) CEO Richard Schaefer said. "He, Pacquiao, would only agree to have blood drawn before the kick-off press conference and after the fight."
One man's beliefs should never be belittled however with Pacquiao's reputation and the integrity of the sport of boxing on the line, it would behoove anyone in their right mind why Pacquiao would jeopardize the largest payday (upwards of $50 million) he stands to gain in his career. Besides if belief were so strong of a factor, why would it matter how close to the title match the blood was drawn? Its all in "fairness of the fighters and the sport by the way." As stated by Schaefer "Why would Pacquiao refuse to have the same kind of testing that Lance Armstrong, Michael Phelps, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant have had?" What does Pacquiao stand to gain from sticking to a suspect principle other than resentment and suspicion of his integrity?
It certainly begs to question whether this refusal is coming from Pacquiao himself or someone in his camp. For months now, Floyd Mayweather Sr has made it no secret the possibility of Manny Pacquiao use of PED's as a factor for his whirlwind rise up the ranks to megastar fame and status to boxing elite. Pacquiao's trainer countered two weeks ago by saying : "I have no problem with the testing whatsoever. They can do whatever kind of drug testing they want. They're scared of Manny and scared of his power. He'll pass any test in the world." With all the smack talking and building animosity building between the camps in anticipation of the MGM Grand Las Vegas mega fight coming this March this accusation might have some weight if Floyd hadn't agreed to undergo the very same "Olympic-style" drug testing and potential huge penalty should he be overweight at weigh-in the day of the fight.
Mayweather offered this statement in reply to Pacquiao's reluctance of the proposed testing.
"I understand Pacquiao not liking having his blood taken because,
frankly, I don't know anyone who really does, 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."
Whether its Freddie Roach's cockiness or Pacquiao's superstitious beliefs holding up the show, millions of boxing fans worldwide may not find Pacquiao's perceived "Devil May Care" attitude very admirable nor professional. Pacquiao may not need Mayweather and Mayweather for sure doesn't need Pacquiao however the sport of boxing needs a fight of this magnitude and that IS without a doubt!
