Manny Pacquiao has agreed to random blood tests up to 14 days before a potential fight with Floyd Mayweather – the crucial compromise the undefeated American demanded but did not get this past February, which effectively canceled the “Super Bowl of Boxing” clash of titans from taking place on March 13. Many boxing insiders are convinced Mayweather demanded the extra testing above and beyond what is required according to the Nevada State Commission, as a scheme designed to cancel the highly risky though lucrative duel with Pacquiao because he secretly fears being brutally beaten up and knocked out by the Filippino marvel.
Pacquiao has made the compromise in an interview he gave to the Manila Bulletin late Wednesday evening in Makata. “As long as they’re not getting a large amount of blood I am willing to give out blood as close to two weeks before the fight,” Pacquiao told the Manila Bulletin.
Now Mayweather has the terms he claimed he wanted earlier this year. The money figures guaranteed for both combatants are going to be colossal…so this fight should be arranged with ease, right?
If Mayweather truly wants the fight and believes in his heart of hearts he can win, yes.
But still there remains great doubt. The ominous quote made on December 2, 2009 by a well-connected insider who has ties to the Mayweather camp still rings in my ears: “The fight is going to happen. Some fights aren’t meant to be made.”
We’ll wait and watch to see if Floyd steps up to the plate. Or if he shows himself to be what many suspect – a fraud masquerading himself to be the best, but who only handpicks slow, old or faded opponents he knows he can beat.
Not so fast.