Throughout the last week we have heard a lot of rumours around the Fight of the Century’s drug testing regime.
The biggest sticking point has been Pacquiao’s advisor, Michael Koncz publicly announcing that Floyd Mayweather’s camp has rejected the negotiation of a $5 million fine for a failed drug test.
This clearly sounds concerning, and I know what you are thinking “aha! Knew it! Floyd’s cheating! Why else wouldn’t he agree to the tests?!”
Before we get caught up in a war of words and accusations, let’s assess this situation.
Currently this fight has taken six years to negotiate. The most recent round of negotiations has seen both parties review the details multiple times. Does anyone honestly believe drug tests weren’t covered?
The key sticking point five years ago was Pacquiao hesitating to agree to Floyd’s drug testing requests. Neither fighter would risk the same scenario where they are at fault.
The contract was signed and an agreement made that USADA would do random, pre and post-fight testing. This implies that there is already a contractual obligation for drug testing.
Lastly, at the press conference over a week ago Manny Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum discussed the fights drug testing and stated:
“…both fighters mutually agreed to drop the $5 million fine because if one fails, the other will be receiving much more anyway”.
Now I know people will talk about ‘money can buy anything, even negative test results’, ‘it’s not hard to pass a drug test’ or ‘every professional at the elite, top-ten level is on drugs’.
That may be the belief of some, but right now they are unfounded accusations and they don’t make any significant contribution to the fight.
If anything, this whole debacle looks like Michael Koncz is trying to get some publicity and is making a poor attempt at playing some mind games.
The one thing we do know is that we finally have the two best fighters of their generation, signed and committed to fight on May 2nd.
Regardless of who does the drug tests or how much a possible fine will cost them, this bout is going to be a defining moment for boxing.
Rollaway7
Roar Guru
Ha with this kind of money and the fight held in Vegas, ill script is for you.... Pacman v Money will be a controversial draw. Pacman will be way ahead in the punch count but Las Vegas has no shame in twisting the fight and setting up Pacman v Money 2 for another 400million. If you can't see this you are blind. Mayweather has one more fight after this one on his HBO contract... Just coincidence? Boxing is dead when these two retire, there are no more stars left, this fight/fights is the last round for Boxing (the sport) before it dwindles down a spiral. Its a shame but money (not Mayweather) has ruined boxing.
Boss
Guest
Hi Graeme, I think what they (PACMAN TEAM) wanted is $5M penalty if one goes positive + ban of 4 years and of course + they can get more than that too... MONEY MONEY MONEY MORE MONEY. And MONEY (FROYD) does not want to agree with it?? Doesn't make sense.
Graeme Cross
Roar Guru
Hi Mario, That's how Koncz is trying to sell it, but according to Bob Arum (Pacquiao's advisor) the drug testing clause is in the contract and if a fighter tests positive they will lose much more than $5M.
Balagtas
Guest
The question is, how much did TEAM pacquiao got when Rios was found positive? Nothing, that is what Konz and team Pacquiao mean and it will take a lot of time for legal proceding before justice can be rendered or maybe none. An immediate compenzation should be given because Team Mayweather can just simply walk away because it is in the contract, if fails no fight. I believe Mayweather will resign after the fight and the penalty of the USADA for 4 year ban is useless.
Balagtas
Guest
The question no is, how much did TEAM pacquiao got when Rios was found positive? Nothing, that is what Konz and team Pacquiao mean and it will take a lot of time of for legal proceding before justice can be rendered or maybe none. An immediate compenzation should be given because Team Mayweather can just simply walk away because it is in the contract, if fails no fight.
mario
Guest
Drug testing was Floyd's main argument for the past 6 years to dodge Manny ... now he rejects a $5-M penalty clause for this ?!
Mong
Guest
When Rios was penalized, Not a penny goes to Manny. Give me the 5 million, and Floyd can runaway.
Andy
Guest
Like Floyd Mayweather on his previous girlfriends? Nothing about Floyd is fair, can't wait to see the Pacman ruin his legacy.
Ramon Antolin
Guest
Hope the drug testing will be fair! That no party will have the advantages of doping! Better to see a fight between 2 combatants who are clean & will win the fight fairly!