By Shaun Campbell: Mind games, promotional hype, or are the fighters simply scared of each other? It seems to be one problem after another for the Pacquiao/Mayweather super-fight proposed to take place on March 13th. The fight has neither been announced or called off yet, but constant obstacles seem to be hindering progress. These two men are the pound of pound kings, so it’s about time they started acting like the champions they really are.
Now this article is not written to “have a go” at Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather, but it’s about time their promoters get down to business and sign the contract. It’s the fight the public want to see. Bob Arum has already stated that if the contract isn’t signed within the next few days Pacquiao and Roach will look elsewhere.
Are these problems all arranged? Are they planned to add hype to the fight? The first problem was the weight/catch-weight at which each fighter wanted the bout to be at. Freddie Roach apparently wanted the fight at a catch weight and stated if Mayweather comes in over the weight limit (as he did against Marquez) then he would pull Manny out the fight. Team Mayweather wanted it at the welterweight limit of 147 pounds. Finally this dispute was settled.
The next problem was more to do with the promoters rather than the fighter and their team. It is no secret Bob Arum and Floyd Mayweather do not see eye to eye, and Mayweather wanted the venue of the mega bout to be the MGM Grand Las Vegas. Team Pacquiao seemed pretty relaxed stated that they will fight anywhere. But Arum decided that money was more important, and it looked certain that a football stadium in Dallas would host the fight. It is likely that the fight will be held in boxing’s capital city, Las Vegas on the greatest stage, the MGM Grand.
Now. After constant jibes from Floyd Mayweather snr, Paulie Malignaggi and some members of Mayweather’s camp, there is growing speculation about Pacquiao using illegal substances to enhance his performance within training. Yes it is a phenomenal task for a man to move from around 110 pound, all the way up to 147 and carry his power with him, but impossible without the help of steroids? Personally Manny Pacquiao seems like on of the most honest fighters in the sport. So this writer would find it hard to believe he has taken steroids under the guidance of hall of fame trainer, Freddie Roach. Seems to me excuses made up by members of Mayweather entourage, maybe others will disagree. The argument is by most people though is not that Pacquiao shouldn’t be tested, but why shouldn’t every fighter get the same treatment? Surely knowing that drug tests which will monitored will help clean up the sport, which to be fair, has remained fairly clean recently at the top level.
The boxing viewing public will not accept any other fight after being teased with Mayweather vs Pacquiao. If they want PPV sales, the smart choice would be to compromise with each other and get the fight made. I’m not a fan of MMA or UFC, but you have to respect the fighters. The best fight the best. No one is too worried about undefeated records. Ultimate supremacy is all that matters. Maybe boxing can take something from MMA?
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