By John F. McKenna (McJack): According to a story in the Manila Bulletin Manny Pacquiao has given in somewhat to the demands of Floyd Mayweather Jr. on random drug testing.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told ESPN that Pacquiao will agree to “unlimited random drug (blood) testing (to be) done by a responsible neutral organization.”

Aram said that the US Anti Doping Agency (USADA), which is the agency Mayweather wants to do the testing is not a neutral organization and there are other groups that can “handle the test under the supervision of the athletic commission respective of the state where the fight is going to be held.”

Efforts in the past to negotiate what would probably be the biggest Pay Per View (PPV) fight in boxing history have always fallen apart over the issues of random drug testing and the revenue split.

Arum is hopeful that Pacquiao’s decision to accept Mayweather’s challenge will pave the way for the fight to take place in the near future. Timing is of the essence because as Arum reported a couple of days ago, it is Pacquiao’s desire to retire before 2013 so that he can pursue other things. It is no secret that Manny, who is a Congressman in Sarangani Province wishes to pursue a political career in the Philippines.

Both Mayweather and Pacquiao have fights coming up in the next few months, so it is imperative that any obstacles which remain to a Mayweather – Pacquiao fight taking place are quickly resolved.

Floyd Mayweather (41-0, 25 KO’s) will be facing Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KO’s) on September 17, which will be Mayweather’s first fight in sixteen months.

Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KO’s) will be facing his long time nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez (52-5-1, 38 KO’s) on November 17.

Both fights will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Arum is launching a tour on September 3 to hype the Pacquiao – Marquez fight.

Mayweather and Ortiz for their part held press conferences in New York and Los Angeles to drum up support for their fight.

Both Mayweather and Pacquiao are heavy favorites to win their upcoming fights.

After this most recent announcement by Bob Arum, the ball now is in Floyd Mayweather’s court.