LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) – Manny Pacquiao is fighting mad, and taking on Floyd Mayweather jnr in court even as a potential blockbuster bout between the two is on the ropes.
Filipino hero Pacquiao filed a lawsuit in federal court in Las Vegas on Wednesday alleging that Mayweather and others defamed him by falsely saying Pacquiao used performance-enhancing drugs.
"Calling a professional athlete a cheater is the most serious charge one can make," the lawsuit says, "and in today's world, accusing an athlete of using performance-enhancing drugs - however baseless and lacking in evidence - is toxic."
Pacquiao has been angered by the Mayweather camp's insistence on doping control blood tests in the buildup to their welterweight showdown - a demand that has the March 13 fight in doubt.
Mayweather has said the blood tests, which could detect substances not found by urine tests, are vital to ensure a fair fight, although blood tests are not routinely used in boxing.
Pacquiao - who says he fears having blood drawn less than 30 days before the fight would 'weaken' him - has taken exception to the demand and to comments made by the Mayweather camp in media interviews.
His lawsuit asks for damages in excess of 75,000 dollars and names Mayweather, his father, Floyd snr, and uncle Roger Mayweather as defendants. Oscar De La Hoya and Richard Schaefer, who operate Golden Boy Promotions and are promoting Mayweather, are also named as having "stated publicly that Pacquiao has used and is using performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids."
The lawsuit cites several interviews given by the Mayweather camp, including the unbeaten US boxer's comments in a radio interview in October about Pacquiao's physical development, when he said: "cause we know the Philippines got the best enhancing drugs."
Also quoted in the suit were Mayweather's remarks published in the british newspaper The Guardian, in which Mayweather said he had "great doubt as to the level of fairness I would be facing in the ring that night."
"The truth did not stop Mayweather and the others," the suit alleges. "That is because they are motivated by ill will, spite, malice, revenge and envy."
Pacquiao, who has supplanted Mayweather in the estimation of many as boxing's best pound-for-pound fighter, has earned titles in seven weight classes.
Their fight could bring each as much as 40 million dollars, and it had appeared to be virtually set after squabbles were settled over issues including the division of the purse and the type of gloves to be used.
The dope test procedures, however, have proved a sticking point.
The Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday that Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum is preparing to open negotiations with World Boxing Association super welterweight champion Yuri Foreman as talks with Mayweather falter.
Arum, contacted by the newspaper while on vacation in Mexico, sounded pessimistic that Pacquaio-Mayweather would happen on March 13.
"This is only my opinion, but I don't see the fight happening now," he told the Times. "Positions are hardening ... Manny's fit to be tied. He's very angry."
Arum acknowledged there could still be a breakthrough, but said: "It might be best to visit this fight later in 2010."
Source: Yahoo! News
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Manny Pacquiao calls Floyd Mayweather Jr's bluff, takes doping test
Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao was quick to comply with the urine test ordered by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) after undergoing the procedure Wednesday in General Santos City before World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited doctor Alex Pineda.
Pineda, who is also associated with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), conducted the test at around mid-afternoon and then, promptly returned back to Manila later in the day bringing with him Pacquiao’s urine sample.
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Manny Pacquiao AP file photo
Two samples labeled “A" and “B" and totaling 100 ml. where taken by Pineda and will be sent to Thailand, Malaysia or China for further analysis.
“We’re bringing the samples to this country because we don’t have a WADA-accredited testing here," said Pineda.
On Tuesday, the Nevada commission under chairman Pat Lundvall ordered both Pacquiao and American Floyd Mayweather Jr. to submit themselves to urine tests within 48 hours in an effort to save their proposed March 13 mega-welterweight fight owing to disagreements on drug testing procedures.
Keith Kizer, the executive director of the Nevada-based commission, said possible fines or suspension will be meted on either fighter in the event they failed to comply with the requirements.
“I don’t know if this will help the chances of the fight happening. But will all this talk of drug tests, let’s actually do one," Kizer said.
The Mayweather camp has yet to announce when the flamboyant boxing superstar will undergo the same test.
According to Pineda, results of the tests will either be sent to his office or to the Games and Amusements Board under chairman Eric Buhain.
It was Buhain who requested Pineda to go to General Santos City and conduct the test.
Pacquiao quickly took the test as his family is set to celebrate the birthday of his eldest daughter, Mary Divine Grace.
Source: GMANews.tv
Pineda, who is also associated with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), conducted the test at around mid-afternoon and then, promptly returned back to Manila later in the day bringing with him Pacquiao’s urine sample.
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Manny Pacquiao AP file photo
Two samples labeled “A" and “B" and totaling 100 ml. where taken by Pineda and will be sent to Thailand, Malaysia or China for further analysis.
“We’re bringing the samples to this country because we don’t have a WADA-accredited testing here," said Pineda.
On Tuesday, the Nevada commission under chairman Pat Lundvall ordered both Pacquiao and American Floyd Mayweather Jr. to submit themselves to urine tests within 48 hours in an effort to save their proposed March 13 mega-welterweight fight owing to disagreements on drug testing procedures.
Keith Kizer, the executive director of the Nevada-based commission, said possible fines or suspension will be meted on either fighter in the event they failed to comply with the requirements.
“I don’t know if this will help the chances of the fight happening. But will all this talk of drug tests, let’s actually do one," Kizer said.
The Mayweather camp has yet to announce when the flamboyant boxing superstar will undergo the same test.
According to Pineda, results of the tests will either be sent to his office or to the Games and Amusements Board under chairman Eric Buhain.
It was Buhain who requested Pineda to go to General Santos City and conduct the test.
Pacquiao quickly took the test as his family is set to celebrate the birthday of his eldest daughter, Mary Divine Grace.
Source: GMANews.tv
Nevada orders urine tests for Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr
LAS VEGAS — The head of the Nevada boxing commission ordered Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. to submit to urine tests as a way of trying to break the impasse that has threatened to derail their proposed March 13 megafight.
Pacquiao and Mayweather must submit to the tests within 48 hours or face possible fines or suspension by the Nevada Athletic commission.
"That at least starts the ball rolling," said Keith Kizer, the commission's executive director.
Indeed, the two sides signaled late in the day that there could be room for a compromise after Mayweather's representatives said there was footage on HBO's "24/7" program that showed Pacquiao having blood taken 14 days before his knockout win over Ricky Hatton.
Mayweather's promoter, Richard Schaefer, said he was told that Top Rank representatives would be talking early Tuesday to Pacquiao in the Philippines to see what cutoff date he would agree to on blood testing. Schaefer said there was a possibility the two sides could compromise somewhere between Mayweather's demand for testing up until the weigh-in and the 14 days Pacquiao had blood taken prior to the Hatton fight.
"We were at two days and I assume Pacquiao is at 14 days," Schaefer said. "Let's see if somehow there can be a compromise found that maintains the integrity of the tests. If that can be done in a manner acceptable to Pacquiao, I will take it to Mayweather's team."
The urine tests, which were ordered by commission chairman Pat Lundvall, fall under an out-of-competition testing regulation which went into effect last year and allows state boxing authorities to order boxers to comply. Kizer said about 30 of the tests have been ordered in the last 18 months.
The commission's demand comes a day after Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum said he would not budge off a proposal to do just three blood tests on the two fighters — and none within 30 days of the fight. Arum, who had suggested the NAC decide next month who will prevail in the dispute, said he planned to begin negotiating a fight with Paul Malignaggi if Mayweather's camp didn't agree to the terms.
But Mayweather's manager, Leonard Ellerbe, said Monday there would be no fight on Arum's terms, and charged the promoter with trying to shift the blame for the fight not happening from Pacquiao's side to Mayweather.
"If he's unwilling to do random blood and urine it's a nonstarter," Ellerbe told The Associated Press. "He knows that. If they want to walk away from the richest fight in the history of the sport, that's their decision."
Kizer said the urine tests could play a part in breaking the impasse, though Mayweather's camp has said that blood tests are necessary to find performance-enhancing drugs that may not be detected by urine tests. Mayweather backed off earlier on a demand for the tests to be conducted by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency but has insisted all along that they be done randomly and include blood tests within 30 days before the fight.
Ellerbe said his fighter had already made many concessions to get the fight, including the financial split, the penalty for coming in at more than 147 pounds, and the gloves to be used. He said there would be no further concession to meet Arum's terms.
"There's no way," Ellerbe said. "The ball is in their court. But you have to ask yourself why they aren't willing to make sure both fighters are clean to ensure that the biggest fight ever can take place."
Kizer said he informed both fighters that they must take the urine tests, saying Pacquiao would have to find an accredited agency to do his in the Philippines. The state of Nevada is paying for the tests, which cost about $150.
"We're always hopeful that when we do drug testing it comes back negative," Kizer said. "I don't know if this will help the chances of the fight happening. But with all this talk of drug tests, let's actually do one."
Source: GMANews.tv
Pacquiao and Mayweather must submit to the tests within 48 hours or face possible fines or suspension by the Nevada Athletic commission.
"That at least starts the ball rolling," said Keith Kizer, the commission's executive director.
Indeed, the two sides signaled late in the day that there could be room for a compromise after Mayweather's representatives said there was footage on HBO's "24/7" program that showed Pacquiao having blood taken 14 days before his knockout win over Ricky Hatton.
Mayweather's promoter, Richard Schaefer, said he was told that Top Rank representatives would be talking early Tuesday to Pacquiao in the Philippines to see what cutoff date he would agree to on blood testing. Schaefer said there was a possibility the two sides could compromise somewhere between Mayweather's demand for testing up until the weigh-in and the 14 days Pacquiao had blood taken prior to the Hatton fight.
"We were at two days and I assume Pacquiao is at 14 days," Schaefer said. "Let's see if somehow there can be a compromise found that maintains the integrity of the tests. If that can be done in a manner acceptable to Pacquiao, I will take it to Mayweather's team."
The urine tests, which were ordered by commission chairman Pat Lundvall, fall under an out-of-competition testing regulation which went into effect last year and allows state boxing authorities to order boxers to comply. Kizer said about 30 of the tests have been ordered in the last 18 months.
The commission's demand comes a day after Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum said he would not budge off a proposal to do just three blood tests on the two fighters — and none within 30 days of the fight. Arum, who had suggested the NAC decide next month who will prevail in the dispute, said he planned to begin negotiating a fight with Paul Malignaggi if Mayweather's camp didn't agree to the terms.
But Mayweather's manager, Leonard Ellerbe, said Monday there would be no fight on Arum's terms, and charged the promoter with trying to shift the blame for the fight not happening from Pacquiao's side to Mayweather.
"If he's unwilling to do random blood and urine it's a nonstarter," Ellerbe told The Associated Press. "He knows that. If they want to walk away from the richest fight in the history of the sport, that's their decision."
Kizer said the urine tests could play a part in breaking the impasse, though Mayweather's camp has said that blood tests are necessary to find performance-enhancing drugs that may not be detected by urine tests. Mayweather backed off earlier on a demand for the tests to be conducted by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency but has insisted all along that they be done randomly and include blood tests within 30 days before the fight.
Ellerbe said his fighter had already made many concessions to get the fight, including the financial split, the penalty for coming in at more than 147 pounds, and the gloves to be used. He said there would be no further concession to meet Arum's terms.
"There's no way," Ellerbe said. "The ball is in their court. But you have to ask yourself why they aren't willing to make sure both fighters are clean to ensure that the biggest fight ever can take place."
Kizer said he informed both fighters that they must take the urine tests, saying Pacquiao would have to find an accredited agency to do his in the Philippines. The state of Nevada is paying for the tests, which cost about $150.
"We're always hopeful that when we do drug testing it comes back negative," Kizer said. "I don't know if this will help the chances of the fight happening. But with all this talk of drug tests, let's actually do one."
Source: GMANews.tv
Manny Pacquiao camp gives final proposal to Floyd Mayweather Jr
LAS VEGAS — Promoter Bob Arum delivered what he said would be his last proposal Sunday to salvage the fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., which has been on life support over a blood testing dispute.
Under Arum's proposal, the Nevada Athletic Commission would have the final say in how much testing there would be for the fight and when it would take place. Preparations for the fight would go forward and there would be three blood tests — none within 30 days of the fight — unless the commission decided otherwise at a mid-January meeting.
"We will go along with what the Nevada commission decides. We will give them a blank check," Arum said. "We want this fight to go forward."
Arum said Pacquiao's side would go no further than the proposal, and that he will begin negotiations Monday with Paul Malignaggi for the March 13 date the megafight was supposed to take place on.
The position is tougher than earlier statements by those in Pacquiao's camp that there could be a compromise on blood testing if it is not done by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and in the final days before the fight. It leaves the fate of the fight in jeopardy since there would likely be little appetite by Nevada regulators to go beyond the urine tests now required by state law.
The director of the Nevada commission and Mayweather's representatives did not immediately return phone calls Sunday.
All other issues were earlier resolved, but the nasty dispute over attempts by Mayweather's camp to introduce stringent blood testing to pro boxing for the first time make it increasingly unlikely it will happen.
Mayweather's representatives backed off their insistence on using the USADA over the weekend, but continued to insist on random blood and urine tests with a cutoff date mutually agreeable to both sides.
Pacquiao's camp seemed willing to agree to that up until the last few days when the conversation turned from testing to slander lawsuits against those alleging that Pacquiao used performance-enhancing drugs to move up in weight to win titles in seven different weight classes.
"It's all either a smokscreen because Mayweather doesn't want to do the fight or an attempt by (Mayweather promoter) Richard Schaefer to smear Manny Pacquiao," Arum said. "We will deal with that legally."
Ironically, Malignaggi is one of those who have suggested in interviews that Pacquiao must have used something to be able to dominate fighters in the higher weight classes.
If the fight is not held March 13, there is still a chance it could happen in September after the two have other fights.
Source: GMANews.tv
Under Arum's proposal, the Nevada Athletic Commission would have the final say in how much testing there would be for the fight and when it would take place. Preparations for the fight would go forward and there would be three blood tests — none within 30 days of the fight — unless the commission decided otherwise at a mid-January meeting.
"We will go along with what the Nevada commission decides. We will give them a blank check," Arum said. "We want this fight to go forward."
Arum said Pacquiao's side would go no further than the proposal, and that he will begin negotiations Monday with Paul Malignaggi for the March 13 date the megafight was supposed to take place on.
The position is tougher than earlier statements by those in Pacquiao's camp that there could be a compromise on blood testing if it is not done by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and in the final days before the fight. It leaves the fate of the fight in jeopardy since there would likely be little appetite by Nevada regulators to go beyond the urine tests now required by state law.
The director of the Nevada commission and Mayweather's representatives did not immediately return phone calls Sunday.
All other issues were earlier resolved, but the nasty dispute over attempts by Mayweather's camp to introduce stringent blood testing to pro boxing for the first time make it increasingly unlikely it will happen.
Mayweather's representatives backed off their insistence on using the USADA over the weekend, but continued to insist on random blood and urine tests with a cutoff date mutually agreeable to both sides.
Pacquiao's camp seemed willing to agree to that up until the last few days when the conversation turned from testing to slander lawsuits against those alleging that Pacquiao used performance-enhancing drugs to move up in weight to win titles in seven different weight classes.
"It's all either a smokscreen because Mayweather doesn't want to do the fight or an attempt by (Mayweather promoter) Richard Schaefer to smear Manny Pacquiao," Arum said. "We will deal with that legally."
Ironically, Malignaggi is one of those who have suggested in interviews that Pacquiao must have used something to be able to dominate fighters in the higher weight classes.
If the fight is not held March 13, there is still a chance it could happen in September after the two have other fights.
Source: GMANews.tv
Paul Malignaggi trainer to Manny Pacman Pacquiao: Take the test
CHICAGO, Illinois – Sherif Younan, the trainer of former world boxing champion Paul "The Magic Man" Malignaggi, believes that there is nothing wrong with Manny Pacquiao taking a blood test as suggested by Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Younan said he has high respects for Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach. “I like Manny. He is a hard worker, an exciting champion. I can’t determine that Manny is into (performance-enhancing drugs). (But) I don’t think a great champion (like Manny) will put (himself) in that position."
"Although, it happens in lots of sports, even in Olympics, I believe, to me, it will be a very foolish (idea to get involved in performance-enhancing drugs because) that will tarnish his legacy," added Younan, who is still not sure if the planned Malignaggi-Pacquiao fight would push through next year.
"I look at (Manny) more as a textbook champion. I like him as a person. He has lots of styles."
Younan said that if he were Roach, he would encourage Pacquiao to undergo the Olympic-style blood test. “What’s the point? And it will just clear everybody’s mind at ease. Freddie is a respected trainer."
Younan, who took over Malignaggi’s training after losing to British champion Ricky Hatton last Nov. 22, 2008, said he met Roach when he was working a fight in New York.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
"Freddie is a very nice guy. We like each other. He is a respectful trainer and he would not tell Manny to take drugs. Hopefully, if we meet, we will meet as total professionals in opposite sides of the ring and may the best man win."
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum is considering Malignaggi as the replacement of Floyd Mayweather Jr. on the March 13 fight after the former pound-for-pound king pulled-out of the scheduled slugfest with Pacquiao.
Mayweather has insisted Pacquiao should undergo Olympic-style drug testing in order to put an end to his father’s claims that the Filipino boxing icon performance-enhancing drugs helped him win seven world titles in seven different weight classes.
Younan believes Malignaggi will beat Pacquiao if ever the two meet inside the ring. "Paulie will the sharpest he has ever been and my kid will shock the world, like he did when he schooled three-time lightweight champion Juan Diaz."
He has also trained junior middleweight contenders Raul Frank and Ian “The Cobra" Gardner and female champion Ann Marie Saccurato, who won the WBC world title.
Source: GMANews.tv
Younan said he has high respects for Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach. “I like Manny. He is a hard worker, an exciting champion. I can’t determine that Manny is into (performance-enhancing drugs). (But) I don’t think a great champion (like Manny) will put (himself) in that position."
"Although, it happens in lots of sports, even in Olympics, I believe, to me, it will be a very foolish (idea to get involved in performance-enhancing drugs because) that will tarnish his legacy," added Younan, who is still not sure if the planned Malignaggi-Pacquiao fight would push through next year.
"I look at (Manny) more as a textbook champion. I like him as a person. He has lots of styles."
Younan said that if he were Roach, he would encourage Pacquiao to undergo the Olympic-style blood test. “What’s the point? And it will just clear everybody’s mind at ease. Freddie is a respected trainer."
Younan, who took over Malignaggi’s training after losing to British champion Ricky Hatton last Nov. 22, 2008, said he met Roach when he was working a fight in New York.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
"Freddie is a very nice guy. We like each other. He is a respectful trainer and he would not tell Manny to take drugs. Hopefully, if we meet, we will meet as total professionals in opposite sides of the ring and may the best man win."
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum is considering Malignaggi as the replacement of Floyd Mayweather Jr. on the March 13 fight after the former pound-for-pound king pulled-out of the scheduled slugfest with Pacquiao.
Mayweather has insisted Pacquiao should undergo Olympic-style drug testing in order to put an end to his father’s claims that the Filipino boxing icon performance-enhancing drugs helped him win seven world titles in seven different weight classes.
Younan believes Malignaggi will beat Pacquiao if ever the two meet inside the ring. "Paulie will the sharpest he has ever been and my kid will shock the world, like he did when he schooled three-time lightweight champion Juan Diaz."
He has also trained junior middleweight contenders Raul Frank and Ian “The Cobra" Gardner and female champion Ann Marie Saccurato, who won the WBC world title.
Source: GMANews.tv
Floyd Mayweather Jr camp scoffs at Manny Pacquiao’s final proposal
The camp of Floyd Mayweather Jr. appears to be not receptive to the final proposal given by Manny Pacquiao’s promoter, further endangering what could have been the biggest fight in history on March 13.
According to Yahoo! Sports, Team Mayweather scoffs at Top Rank boss Bob Arum’s pitch about giving the Nevada State Athletic Commission the free hand to decide how much testing there would be for the fight and when it would take place.
“It does not make sense for this to become a commission matter," Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, who represents Mayweather in the negotiations, said in an interview with Yahoo! Sports.
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Manny Pacquiao AP file photo
“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," Schaefer added.
Under Arum’s proposal, there would be three blood tests — none within 30 days of the fight — unless the commission decided otherwise at a mid-January meeting.
"We will go along with what the Nevada commission decides. We will give them a blank check," Arum said in an Associated Press report Sunday (Monday in Manila).
Arum added that Pacquiao's side would go no further than the proposal. And if Team Mayweather would still not come on board by Monday, the veteran promoter said he will begin negotiations with Paul Malignaggi for the March 13 date the megafight was supposed to take place on.
“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," Schaefer said.
Mayweather adviser Leonard Ellerbe said they would stand firm on their position on random tests.
“Random is random. We are all intelligent people and we know what random testing is. That is what we want and it has not changed," he told Yahoo! Sports’ Martin Rogers.
The dope item has derailed the otherwise smooth negotiations for the superbout between the reigning pound-for-pound king and his predecessor, who have earlier agreed to items on purse split, weight, and glove size.
The issue was borne out of the Mayweathers’ insinuations that Pacquiao is taking performance-enhancing drugs on his way to the top, something that the Pacman has vehemently denied.
The issue took a turn for worse as Pacquiao, who came clean in all his previous dope tests, expressed his intention to file charges against Mayweather Jr., his father Floyd Sr., and Schaefer for the dope allegations.
Source: GMANews.tv
According to Yahoo! Sports, Team Mayweather scoffs at Top Rank boss Bob Arum’s pitch about giving the Nevada State Athletic Commission the free hand to decide how much testing there would be for the fight and when it would take place.
“It does not make sense for this to become a commission matter," Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, who represents Mayweather in the negotiations, said in an interview with Yahoo! Sports.
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Manny Pacquiao AP file photo
“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," Schaefer added.
Under Arum’s proposal, there would be three blood tests — none within 30 days of the fight — unless the commission decided otherwise at a mid-January meeting.
"We will go along with what the Nevada commission decides. We will give them a blank check," Arum said in an Associated Press report Sunday (Monday in Manila).
Arum added that Pacquiao's side would go no further than the proposal. And if Team Mayweather would still not come on board by Monday, the veteran promoter said he will begin negotiations with Paul Malignaggi for the March 13 date the megafight was supposed to take place on.
“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," Schaefer said.
Mayweather adviser Leonard Ellerbe said they would stand firm on their position on random tests.
“Random is random. We are all intelligent people and we know what random testing is. That is what we want and it has not changed," he told Yahoo! Sports’ Martin Rogers.
The dope item has derailed the otherwise smooth negotiations for the superbout between the reigning pound-for-pound king and his predecessor, who have earlier agreed to items on purse split, weight, and glove size.
The issue was borne out of the Mayweathers’ insinuations that Pacquiao is taking performance-enhancing drugs on his way to the top, something that the Pacman has vehemently denied.
The issue took a turn for worse as Pacquiao, who came clean in all his previous dope tests, expressed his intention to file charges against Mayweather Jr., his father Floyd Sr., and Schaefer for the dope allegations.
Source: GMANews.tv
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