By Steve Lewis: Though the latest reports say Pacquiao vs. Mayweather is down the drain, it is still conceivable to salvage the fight during the weekend (the “business” deadline). But once the weekend passes with no resolution, it might truly officially be dead.
So what conceivable scenario can save this megafight, given what both sides want? Well, let’s look at what both sides are trying to get:
With Manny Pacquiao, he wants no random blood testing to be done within 24 days before the fight, but is willing to provide unlimited urine, and 3 blood tests (one before the kick-off press conference, which would have been coming soon, a second one no later than 24 days before the fight, and the last one right after the fight itself). Pacquiao’s reasoning is that he was re-tested very late during his 2005 Erik Morales fight, and he felt weakened (and ended up losing a unanimous decision), so no way he would like to chance that again.
With Floyd Mayweather, he wants random blood testing up until 14 days before the fight itself. His reasoning is that Pacquiao could still conceivably “shoot up” and “flush out” any PEDs out of his system before the next scheduled blood test.
So if neither party budges on their current stances, how do we get over this impasse? Here’s the solution:
Proceed with Pacquiao’s proposal of the 3 scheduled blood tests and the unlimited urine, and in the interim, have NSAC representatives supervise, monitor and chaperon Pacquiao on rotating shifts 24/7. In other words, if Manny has to take a shower, provide an extra towel for the NSAC chaperon. If he has to take a dump, the NSAC chaperon’s right there sitting next to him. If he sleeps, well, I guess, Michael Koncz will have to scoot over and make room for the NSAC chaperon.
Is it practical? Logistically feasible? Onerous? Who knows? It probably is, but with the kind of money at stake (plus what the State of Nevada stands to get in revenue from the tourism and retail), NSAC should find a way to make it work.
This should solve the impasse regarding blood testing because it takes care of Pacquiao’s concerns that he might get weakened if blood-tested within 24 days before the fight, as well as Mayweather’s concerns that Pacquiao might be playing around the testing calendar. Why? Because now, you have someone keeping an eye on Pacquiao 24/7, supervising his surroundings for any contraband, etc. You essentially have a hired Siamese twin to make sure no PEDs are anywhere in sight, which is what Mayweather is worried about (or at least that’s the pretext).
Now this could work provided that both fighters are subjected to this “Big Brother” provision. Pacquiao will want Mayweather closely monitored too, because it was the idea of being “singled out” that bothered Pacquiao as well.
Also, this is assuming that neither fighter has any quibbles about compromising a great level of personal privacy. I know Pacquiao is used to having people all around him, living at a 2-room condo with 20-something people, folks sleeping at the foot of his bed, etc. So maybe it won’t be as big of a deal for him, but for Mayweather? Who knows?
It boils down to whether he really wants this fight or not.
Here’s to wishful thinking for the new 2010!
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