Team Pacquiao Cornered: Has Manny Agreed to Take the Test?

by Hans Olson

In one of the more interesting stories of the week, advisor Leonard Ellerbe announced that the best pound for pound fighter in the world, Floyd Mayweather, will return on May 5th against an opponent TBA. The story was first reported by Fight Hype’s Ben Thompson.

Photo Credit : Chris Farina – Top Rank

In the interview, Ellerbe noted “Team Mayweather is looking to make the biggest fight possible and everyone knows what fight that is,” clearly referencing Manny Pacqauio, who fights Juan Manuel Marquez in at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on November 12. “It’s very pleasing to know that Manny Pacquiao has agreed to be subjected to the USADA random blood and urine tests.”

Of course, we don’t know this for sure.

In a media conference call on Wednesday, Bob Arum alluded to the fact that Manny Pacqauio has been willing to take Olympic style drug testing, although nothing has ever been confirmed officially in writing.

In or out of context, Ellerbe was keyed in on this statement by Arum.

“That’s news to us, but that’s great to hear,” said Ellerbe. “Now hopefully the fans will finally get what they want to see.”

Let’s hope so.

The fight has been talked about, and negotiated time and time again…the major sticking point being Manny Pacquiao’s refusal to take strict USADA drug testing.

Team Pacquiao has now been cornered. They can’t negotiate a fight against Tim Bradley without acknowledging Floyd Mayweather is ready for action on May 5. If Manny Pacquiao truly wants the fight, he will take care of business next week, and immediately force Bob Arum to begin negotiations with Mayweather.

And he will agree to strict USADA testing.