Add Floyd Mayweather Jr. to the mix. He joins Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer in rejecting the final offer of Top Rank's Bob Arum. Leonard Ellerbe, CEO for Mayweather Promotions and adviser to Floyd, told Yahoo Sports that his side will not agree to Arum's final offer to save the fight with Manny Pacquiao on March 13. Ellerbe said Team Mayweather will not agree to Arum's position by Monday, which is the deadline set by Top Rank to accept their offer, or Arum will replace Mayweather with Paulie Malignaggi.

Mayweather and Golden Boy want "random" Olympic-style drug tests. He wants both fighters to go through random blood and urine tests during their entire training period. Pacquiao and Top Rank will agree to additional blood and urine tests, but not within 30-days of the fight unless the Nevada State Athletic Commission orders them to do so.

Arum wants each fighter would agree to take unlimited random urine tests, and both sides would agree to let the Nevada State Athletic Commission decide if additional blood testing is necessary at their January 19 meeting.

That is not good enough for Ellerbe. He doesn't want the NSAC to make a decision if additional tests are needed. Mayweather and his team want an agreement for random tests.

“Random is random,” Ellerbe told Yahoo Sportse . “We are all intelligent people and we know what random testing is. That is what we want and it has not changed.

”Schaefer balked at Arum's final offer earlier and his position has not changed. He doesn't want the situation to become a NSAC matter. He wants a contract agreement between both sides for random Olympic-style drug tests.

“It does not make sense for this to become a commission matter,” Schaefer told Yahoo. “This is a contractual matter. The commission did not decide the weights or the purse split or how the foreign television rights would be sold.

“If this is Bob’s final ultimatum, then that’s what it is. That is his decision if he wants to take that position. I very much hope this fight can be made, but the reason it is at a standstill is because of the way they have handled things.

Officials for Floyd Jr. say superfight could fall through if Pacquiao doesn't agree to broader drug testing

The megafight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao could be in jeopardy after Pacquiao reportedly refused to have his blood drawn 30 days before their proposed March 13 welterweight title bout.

Mayweather wants Pacquiao to submit to Olympic-style drug testing as outlined by the United States Anti-Doping Agency. Mayweather's father, Floyd Sr., and others in the Mayweather camp have insinuated that Pacquiao's size and strength are not from conventional and natural means.

"This is a legitimate potential dealbreaker," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, which is representing Mayweather in negotiations with Top Rank, Pacquiao's promoter. "I hope it's not Manny saying this, that it's someone in his camp.

"Manny can clear it up if he said it's a miscommunication and that he agrees to the testing. He does that, then we have a fight."

Pacquiao never has flunked a drug test in his 13-year professional career. Still, Mayweather wants Pacquiao to have his blood drawn 30 days before the fight, which would be at the MGM Grand Garden.

"I understand Pacquiao not liking having his blood taken, because frankly I don't know anyone who really does," Mayweather said in a statement. "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."

Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, said: "We've insisted on this from the beginning. We just want to make sure there is a level playing field.

"There's no compromise on this issue."

Schaefer said under typical Olympic testing, an athlete would be subject to multiple random tests, both through urinalysis and blood testing. In the 21/2-month period leading to the fight, both fighters could be expected to be tested through urinalysis eight to 10 times and for blood five to six times. Schaefer said the blood testing is done because certain banned substances can't be detected through urinalysis.

According to Schaefer, he was told by Top Rank president Todd duBoef that Pacquiao was superstitious about having blood drawn so close to a fight.

"Todd told me that Pacquiao has difficulty with taking blood and doesn't want to do it so close to the fight," Schaefer said. "He (Pacquiao) would only agree to have blood drawn before the kick-off news conference and after the fight.

"It is unfortunate to hear this from Manny Pacquiao's representatives, particularly since, as of today, both parties had worked out all other issues related to this fight."

Top Rank spokesman Lee Samuels said neither duBoef nor chairman Bob Arum is commenting on the drug-testing issue, which comes on the heels of the resolution of one of the final sticking points in the negotiations: the site for the fight.

Having the 16,200-seat Grand Garden as the venue is apparently set, as Golden Boy and Top Rank have asked the Nevada Athletic Commission, in its meeting next month, to approve the March 13 date for the MGM. Schaefer said it is up to Pacquiao now.

"I'm assuming he doesn't know what's going on," Schaefer said of Pacquiao, who is in the Philippines. "If, in fact, he refuses to submit, I would have a lot of difficulty in asking any of our fighters to get in the ring with him."

Post credit to:
STEVE CARP
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

The proposed super-fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jnr has been thrown into doubt over a disputed drugs test according to Golden Boy Promotions.

Richard Schaefer, chief executive of Golden Boy who promote Mayweather, has claimed that the Filipino will not agree to blood-testing in the immediate run up to the welterweight fight, which had been expected to take place in March.

Mayweather's management have requested that the fighters submit to Olympic style blood testing as outlined and mandated by the United States Anti Doping Agency (USADA) 30 days prior to the bout, to ensure both men are clean.

But Todd DuBoef, president of Pacquiao's promoters Top Rank, has informed Schaefer that his fighter refuses to have blood taken so close to a fight with the American based on the fighter's superstition of testing.

"Todd told me that Pacquiao has difficulty with taking blood and doesn't want to do it so close to the fight," Schaefer said on the Golden Boy Promotions Web site.

"Pacquiao would only agree to have blood drawn before the kick-off press conference and after the fight. It is unfortunate to hear this from Manny Pacquiao's representatives, particularly since both parties had worked out all other issues related to this fight.

"Team Mayweather is certainly surprised that an elite athlete like Manny Pacquiao would refuse drug testing procedures which Floyd has already agreed to and have been agreed to by many other top athletes such as Lance Armstrong, and Olympians Michael Phelps, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant."

Mayweather, who was informed of Pacquiao's reluctance shortly after Schaefer received word of the impasse, empathized with his possible opponent but hopes he will undergo the tests.

"I understand Pacquiao not liking having his blood taken, because frankly I don't know anyone who really does," Mayweather said.

"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."

Pacquiao became a five-weight world champion following his WBO welterweight title win over Miguel Cotto in November, while Mayweather returned from a 21-month retirement to beat Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in September.

Their super-fight was widely reported to be set for the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on March 13, with only the final details to be thrashed out and an official announcement early next month.

It is unclear if the drugs test row will actually derail these plans but Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach was adamant his man would not submit to the proposed testing regime.

"We go by the commission rules, the sanctioning body rules. Mayweather doesn't make the rules, we don't work for Mayweather. He needs us, we don't need him," he was quoted on the Web site www.maxboxing.com.

Here's Floyd Mayweather Sr. has to say on the upcoming Mayweather vs Pacquiao Live Stream bout.

"Yeah, I definitely want Pacquiao to give blood. How is that going to affect him mentally? You could give blood a day before the fight and it wouldn't affect you, let alone 3 weeks out. Something isn't;t right man and we're going to make sure everything is copacetic," stated world-class trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. as he shared his thoughts on the Olympic-style drug testing that both fighters have agreed to undertake leading up to their highly-anticipated showdown. Although Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, said he had no problems whatsoever with the testing, he did admit to having an issue with blood being drawn from his fighter six weeks prior to the fight. According to Roach, that could affect Pacquiao mentally. Mayweather Sr., however, strongly disagrees.

"He didn't even say Manny would be too drained if he gave blood; he said it would affect him mentally, so unless he has something to hide, it shouldn't affect him mentally," he continued. Mayweather also responded to Roach&'s suggestion that he has no knowledge of performance enhancing drugs due to the fact that he dropped out of high school. "You don't have to finish high school to know about performance enhancing drugs. We train world class athletes every day. Shows you how much Freddie Roach knows," he added.

Naturally, Mayweather feels his knowledge of boxing and fighters is far beyond anything he could learn in high school and the success he's had in the sport is a testament to that. "I went up to the 11th grade and said I had enough; that's it! It's not what I did or didn't finish, it's where I am now and not to brag, because I am very blessed, but I have more money now than the teachers that taught me in high school, so what is Roach talking," Mayweather stated. He also found some of Roach's recent threats regarding his brother, Roger Mayweather, to be comical. "I see where he said he would kick Roger ass," he laughed. "Roach is lucky that Pacquiao worked out because other than that, what fighter has he made a champion that hadn't already had success?"

Promoters of the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather jnr bout have cancelled a trip to Dallas, an apparent sign that the new Cowboys Stadium won't host the mega-bout next year.

The trip was called off at the last minute on Wednesday because Mayweather's promoter apparently decided he didn't want the fight at the new billion-dollar stadium that is home to the Dallas Cowboys NFL team.

The move left the MGM Grand arena in Las Vegas as the favorite to host the fight, expected to take place on March 13.

Co-promoter Bob Arum said he was surprised by the decision from Mayweather's promoter, Golden Boy chief executive Richard Schaefer, to call off the trip to Texas.

Both fighters have reportedly agreed to terms for the bout, but neither has signed contracts.

Jones said last week he hoped to bid for the fight for his stadium in suburban Dallas, while representatives of the Superdome in New Orleans were also interested.

An official of Staples Center, home of the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, told the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday that the arena had made a 20 million-dollar offer to host the fight.

However, the Los Angeles venue would likely need to offer more than a Las Vegas venue because California imposes state taxes that the fighters would have to pay, and Nevada doesn't.

Mayweather, 40-0 with 25 knockouts, was regarded as the world's top pound-for-pound fighter before a 19-month layoff that ended last September.

Pacquiao, 50-3 with 38 knockouts, staked his claim on the pound-for-pound crown in Mayweather's absence by knocking out England's Ricky Hatton in the second round last May and stopping Miguel Cotto in the 12th round last month.

The Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown could bring record profits to break the mark set by Mayweather's split-decision victory over Oscar de la Hoya in 2007.

The fight is expected to be officially launched with a press conference in January in New York.

Pacquiao is running for congress in his homeland and elections are in May, which scuttled plans for a May date for the fight.

The Filipino star is expected to begin training in his homeland and complete his workouts at trainer Freddie Roach's Hollywood gym.

Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved.

Although it is not etched in stone yet, the probability of the most anticipated fight since Oscar De La Hoya vs. Felix Trinidad happening is very good, according to recent reports. There have been a number of great fights throughout the years, but few come close to the drama and storylines that this fight provides. I can’t remember a fight of this magnitude, involving two fighters who are so different from each other in so many aspects.

You have arguably the most arrogant and talkative fighter facing the most humble fighter in the sport. Also, has there ever been a bout between the best defensive fighter and the most feared offensive fighter who are both also considered to be the best pound-for-pound fighters? The matchup that might come close is the first bout between Ali and Frazier, but was Joe Frazier considered the most feared and best pound-for-pound fighter at the time? George Foreman was probably feared more than Frazier, as he was knocking guys out left and right during that time. Someone else mentioned Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Duran as a comparable fight and I tend to agree.

What makes the fight more fascinating is that this is not your typical fight between a pure boxer and a slugger. Both possess extraordinary athleticism and are complete fighters in their own way. It’s not a light-hitting Pernell Whitaker against a slow Julio Cesar Chavez.

There is also a sense of irony when you analyze their career. Pacquiao keeps on surpassing all the expectations bestowed upon him and has arguably reached the greatness many expected from Mayweather. Mayweather’s career and greatness, on the other hand, seems to have reached a plateau because of the decisions he has made. Just imagine the story lines preceding the fight. The 24/7 episodes might attract more viewers than most pay-per-view fights in recent years.

This matchup reminds me of a Rocky movie. You have an arrogant, flashy and talented fighter going against a fighter who came from nowhere to achieve greatness that many did not expect from him. There’s no doubt that this fight will be talked about for years to come, even if it doesn’t live up to the hype.

Manny Pacquiao has officially signed on to Mayweather vs Pacquiao fight in what could be the biggest and richest fight in boxing history, the Filipino ring icon’s trainer said today.

Speaking to 8CountNews, Freddie Roach confirmed that his ward has indeed placed his signature on the fight contract, adding that the bout will be held on March 13.

“March 13th is the date, that's not going to change,” he told 8CountNews.

The multi-awarded trainer said that with Pacquiao inking the deal, it is now up to Mayweather to complete his end the deal.

“Well anything is possible with Floyd Mayweather involved, but we signed our contract and that's all I care about. There is nothing that I can do about the other guy. I don't know if they officially signed, but we have,” Roach said.

The bespectacled trainer added that among the things that the Pacquiao camp has agreed on were the glove size to be used and the weight class on which the fight would be held. He, however, did not provide further details.

“Everything looks good. We have agreed on the glove size, and the weight. I talked to (Pacquiao’s promoter Bob) Arum, Dallas wants the fight, MGM wants the fight, Yankee Stadium wants the fight, so it's just trying to find out where the venue is. The fight looks good,” Roach said.

And with the fight now closer to being finalized, how does Roach see Pacquiao matching up against Mayweather?

“It's a difficult fight, it's the most difficult style for us to go against because he (Mayweather) is a runner and a counter-puncher. We will go to camp and we will make some changes, we will set traps for this guy. This is completely opposite of the (Miguel) Cotto fight, opposite of the (Ricky) Hatton fight, and opposite from the (Oscar) De La Hoya fight. We will come up with a new game plan, a 10-week camp, and some changes. We will work on setting traps and taking Floyd's speed away from him,” he explained.

A Pacquiao-Mayweather bout would pit two of the best pound-for-pound fighters in their primes. It is expected to shatter existing pay-per-view records, with both fighters having proven themselves to be mammoth box-office draws. - By Dino Maragay (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)