By John F. McKenna (McJack): It was reported in the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Thursday that a district Judge sided with Manny Pacquiao and ruled that Floyd Mayweather Jr must take a deposition in a defamation lawsuit filed against him by Pacquiao.

US District Court Judge Larry Hicks denied an emergency appeal filed by Mayweather attorney Mark Tratos, claiming the appeal was “without merit.” Maweather was ordered to give the deposition on June 17, but failed to appear.

World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Pacquiao, who has won titles in a record eight divisions, sued Mayweather in 2009 after Mayweather allegedly accused Pacquiao of taking steroids and other performance enhancing drugs.

Hick’s decision affirmed Magistrate Robert Johnson’s order denying Mayweather’s motion to prevent the June 17 deposition.

High stakes lawyer Daniel Petrocelli, the same attorney who won a judgment against OJ Simpson in a civil lawsuit, is representing Pacquiao and as the saying goes is playing hard ball. Petrocelli said on Thursday that “Floyd Mayweather Jr is still refusing to take the deposition. He continues to defy the courts order.”

In his appeal, Mayweather had asked for a delay until after his September 17 showdown with Victor Ortiz, citing that giving a deposition at this time would interfere with his preparation for the fight.

Pacquiao’s attorney’s countered that the appeal was irrelevant, in part because they had attempted to set a deposition date with Mayweather ahead of his promotional tour and his Sept 17 fight with Ortiz. Ten dates were rejected by Mayweahter, Pacquiao’s attorney said.

It is clear that Floyd “Money” Mayweather has no intention of taking a deposition related to the defamation lawsuit brought against him by Manny Pacquiao.
Floyd has been given many opportunities to take the deposition and rejected them all.

At this point Mayweather is trying to spin it that he never accused Pacquiao of being a drug cheat. He was just trying to clean up boxing he maintains. Floyd is adamant that anyone he fights must submit to the same drug testing that he wants Manny to take, even though no boxing commission is requesting the same testing to be done.

Dan Petrocelli, acting as Pacquiao’s attorney will continue to pursue this case with the intensity that he is noted for. He will not come to any deal or arrangement that first and foremost does not benefit his client Manny Pacquiao.