By John F. McKenna (McJack): Eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38 KO’s) in an effort to force the hand of undefeated super star World Boxing Association (WBA) light middleweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. (43-0, 26 KO’s) has forced the issue with “Money May” by offering to take the smaller percentage if and when the two square off in the ring. The “Pacman” in an effort to offer Floyd no wiggle room has also agreed to random drug testing up to the day of the fight.
Pacquiao publicly stated that he is agreeable to take only 45% of the revenue for the fight, apparently in an effort to preempt any further stalling tactics by Mayweather. It has long been anticipated by boxing insiders that Floyd would demand the larger share of the pie. Presumably the money issue would have to be put to rest before any talks between Mayweather and team Pacquiao move forward.
Manny, apparently in an effort to remove any further roadblocks which could prevent a Pacquiao – Mayweather fight from happening also has publicly agreed to the random drug testing that Floyd has requested. The drug testing and the percentage that each fighter would receive are thought to be the major stumbling blocks preventing the mega match from happening.
Mayweather has long insisted that any opponent he faces in the ring must submit to Olympic style drug testing. Manny, for quite some time now has stated that he is agreeable to the Olympic style drug testing but Floyd still brings it up as if it is still an issue. For that reason many boxing pundits believe that Mayweather is now using the drug testing as a phony issue.
Mayweather has been relatively silent since being released from the Clark County Detention Center in August. It is not yet known who Floyd’s next opponent will be or when the fight will take place. Mayweather scored a hard fought unanimous decision victory over Puerto Rican veteran Miguel Cotto (37-3, 30 KO’s) last May.
Reportedly Floyd offered “Pacman” a flat $40 million to fight him months ago. The offer however was not taken seriously when it is taken into account that such a fight would most likely draw upwards of $150 million in Pay Per View (PPV) sales alone. Mayweather of course would receive the lion’s share of the revenue.
Many boxing analysts saw the $40 million offer by Floyd as his way of saying he really did not want to fight Manny.
Many boxing fans are convinced that a Pacquiao – Mayweather fight will never take place.
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