Shortly after I wrote about the biggest fight of the last decade being "a done deal" it had to fall apart, right? I guess when people say it's a sure thing, it's not really a sure thing until the signatures are put to the bottom of the page. As is the case with the Manny Pacquiao versus Floyd Mayweather fight, which broke down earlier this week over the disputed drug testing procedures. Mayweather's camp was demanding that PacMan submit to random drug testing by means of blood-taking, all the way up to the fight next spring. Pacquiao agreed to be randomly blood tested up to 30 days until the fight and immediately after the fight. This wasn't good enough for Mayweather's negotiators and so the plug was pulled. Now, this is both suspect on Manny's part and a little bit understandable. Pacquiao agreed to be tested up until 30 days prior to fight night and immediately after the fight - and anytime through urine samples - but didn't want to be tested within 30 days for both superstitious and physical performance reasons. Pacquiao didn't want to be giving blood when it would weaken him and his training regimen. He also doesn't like giving blood apparently because of Filipino superstitions - of which I have no knowledge.
The Nevada Boxing Commission requires random urine samples but no blood tests. Mayweather wanted to use Olympic boxing standards where blood samples can be taken randomly, at any time, right up until the fight. PacMan's refusal makes one stop and wonder if he's doing something illegal just because that's what we're trained to question in this age. However, I get it, I don't like giving blood, I feel weak and tired after any blood work is done on me. But I, like everyone else out there, now has to wonder if Manny has something to hide... damn you Mayweather!
I'm really upset that this fight isn't going through. I'm hopeful that some resolution can be come to. Like, finish the fight then immediately be there to test Manny in the ring afterwards - it'll be really easy if he's already unconscious on the mat. Mayweather's people have said they are concerned about masking agents being used by Pacquiao, but really if the guy will do it up to 30 days before the fight and immediately after the fight, is that really not good enough? I think it's just a couple "representatives" of these fighters who are being selfish jerks and keeping their guys plus the whole world on the side burner while they sort out their personal battles between one another. Let's get this fight on already!
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