NOTHING TO HIDE: Pacquiao undergoes test.

Proof that he has nothing to hide, Manny Pacquiao finally underwent a urine test Wednesday, sample of which was brought by World Anti-Doping Agency(Wada) accredited doctor Alex Pineda to Manila from General Santos City.

Pineda, who is also associated with the Philippine Olympic Committee(POC),conducted the test at around mid-afternoon and then promptly returned back to Manila later in the day bringing with him the sample specimens.

Two samples labeled 'A' and 'B' and totaling 100ml. where taken by Pineda and will be sent to Thailand, Malaysia or China for further analysis.

"We're bringing the samples to this country because we don't have a Wada-accredites testing here," said Pineda.

The test was in compliance with the order of the Nevada State Athletic Commissions under chjairman Pat Lundvall for both Pacquiao and American Floyd Mayweather Jr. to submit themselves for a urine test within the next 48 hours in an effort to save their proposed March 13 mega-welterweight fight following a major disagreement on drug testing procedures.

Keith Kizer, the executive director of the Nevada-based commissions, said possible fines or suspension will be meted on either fighter in the event they failed to comply with the requirements.

"I don't know if this will help the chances of the fight happening. But will all this talk of drug tests, let's actually do one," Kizer said.

The Mayweather camp has yet to announce when teh flmboyant boxing superstar will undergo the same test.

According to Pineda, results of the test will either be sent to his office or to the Games and Amusements Board under chairman Eric Buhain.

It was Buhain who requested Pineda to go to General Santos City and conduct the test.

Pacquiao quickly took the test as his family is set to celebrate the birthday of his eldest daughter, Mary Divine Grace.

Despite the first positive sign that both fighters are not walking away from what many expects to be the richest bout in boxing history, both camps remain adamant on their respective demands on how to go about the blood testing procedure prior to the fight.

Bob Arum, whose Top Rank Promotions holds the right on the 31-year old Filipino boxing champ, had given the Mayweather camp a final-offer on Sunday, proposing three blood tests on each of the fighters and none within 30 days of the fight.

Pacquiao has said he fears having blood drawn less than 30 days before the fight would weaken him.

But Mayweather's camp issued a statement the following day indicating Pacquiao's reluctance to undergo blood testing within 30 days before the fight remained a stumbling block.

"Let the record be clear: Manny Pacquiao and his promotor Bob Arum are threatening to walk away from the largest fight in history," said in the statement released by Mayweather and Golden Boy Promotions.

SOURCE: PEOPLE'S JOURNAL

AUTHOR: GERRY RAMOS

Nevada tries to end test impasse

LAS VEGAS, Nevada(AFP)- Nevada boxing officials are trying to end the dope test impasse threatening the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather megafight, but their demand for immediate urine tests may not solve the problem.

The Nevada State Athletic Commissions said Monday that both Filipino superstar Pacquiao and Mayweather must submit to the tests within 48 hours or face possible fines or suspension by the commission.

"That at least starts the ball rolling," said Keith Kizer, the commission's executive director.

But Mayweather's camp issued statement on Monday indicating Pacquiao's reluctance to undergo blood testing within 30 days before the fight remained a stumbling block.

"Let the record be clear: Manny Pacquiao and his promoter Bob Arum are threatening to walk away from the largest fight in history," statement from Mayweather and Golden Boy Promotions said Monday.

Arum had given the Mayweather camp a final offer on Sunday, proposing three blood tests on each of the fighters and none within 30 days of the fight.

Pacquiao has said the fears having blood drawn less than 30 days before the fight would weaken him.

Arum said he would open negotiations for a fight with Paul Malignaggi if Mayweather's camp didn't agree.

There appeared to be progress later in the day, however, after Mayweather's camp noted that broadcaster HBO's "24/7" programme following Pacquiao's preparation for his fight againts Ricky Hatton showed Pacquiao having blood drawn 14 days before he knocked out the Englishman.

Mayweather's promoter, Richard Schaefer, said he was told that, with that in mind, representatives of Arum's Top Rank would talk early Tuesday to Pacquiao in the Philippines to see if he would agree to a cut off date for blood testing closer to the fight date than 30 days.

"We were at two days (before the fight), and I assume Pacquiao is at 14 days ," said Schaefer said.

"Let's see if somehow there can be a compromise found that maintains the integrity of the tests. If that can be done in a manner acceptable to Pacquiao, I will take it to Mayweather's team."

There is plenty of incentive to get past the problems and get in the ring. The fight, scheduled for March 13 in Las Vegas could be the biggest moneymaker in boxing history.

Unbeaten US star Mayweather says the blood tests, which could detect substances not found by urine tests, are vital to ensure a fair fight, although blood tests are not routinely used in boxing.

"It is disappointing for us to see that the benefits of blood testing and the fact that many different substances and procedures can only be detected by blood testing, are still not fully understood by all," the Mayweather camp statement said.

"Their "take it or leave it" approach, where blood testing would stop 30 days prior to the fight unless the Nevada State Athletic Commission chairman Pat Lundvall ordered the urine-based tests, under an out-of-competition testing regulation that went into effect last year.Kizer said he informed both fighters that they must take the urine tests, saying Pacquiao would have to find an accredited agency to conduct his in the Philippines.

"We're always hopeful that when we do drug testing it comes back negative," Kizer said. "I don't know if this will help the chances of the fight happening. But with all this talk of drug tests, let's actually do one.

SOURCE: PEOPLE'S JOURNAL

DECIDE NOW OR ELSE...... Arum gives Mayweather camp up today to make up mind.

LAS VEGAS, Nevada(AFP)- Manny Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, gave Floyd Mayweather's camp a take-it-or-leave-it final offer Sunday and set a Monday deadline to settle a blood test feud and salvage a boxing extrava-ganza.

The final stumbling block to a March 13 showdown in Las Vegas that could be the biggest moneymaker in boxing history are demands for blood doping tests, something Mayweather says are vital to ensuring a fair fight.

Unbeaten US star Mayweather has backed off demands for random blood tests at any time before the fight while Pacquiao , concerned blood tests will weaken him, wants none within 30 days of the fight until just after the bout.

Richard Schaefer, chief executive of Mayweather backers Golden Boy Promotion, said no tests within 30 days of the fight would make the blood test program useless.

Arum's latest pitch is to have the matter decided by Nevada State Athletic Commission officials, with Sports Illustrated reporting Arum wants a special January 19 hearing on the matter.

With the commission standards and state law mandating urine testing only and no protocols for blood tests established, the panel could throw out any blood testing, a deal- breaking possibility Mayweather's side know all too well. "We'll go along with what the Nevada commission decides,"Arum said.

"We want this fight to go forward."

Arum said that if Mayweather's camp does not agree to allow Nevada officials to decide when and how to conduct the blood tests, he will sign a deal for Filipino hero Pacquiao to face Paulie Malignaggi on March 13. Pacquiao has said he will file a defamation lawsuit againts Mayweather for accusing him of taking performances-enhancing drugs.

Each side has pegged the other as trying to avoid the fight so they do not have to face the other.

Arum had already declared the fight was off but talks continued and no one wants to be the one to pull the plug on what could be a major moneymaker for all involved.

If the blood feud does scuttle the bout in March, there is a chance it could be staged later this year, but likely not until after each fighter has met another opponent in the ring.

SOURCE: PEOPLE'S TONIGHT

Still a big NO for Mayweather

It seems that clear now that Floyd Mayweather, Jr. won't bite into what Bob Arum has offered on the negotiating table.

One of Mayweather, Jr's advisers yesterday reiterated the American boxer's stand that only random Olympic-style blood testing for banned substances would be acceptable for the fight against Manny Pacquiao to happen three months from now.

Leonard Ellerbe made the statement in an interview with the Grand Rapids Press and in response to what Arum laid down the other day which the Top Rank boss said was his "last proposal" to salvage the bout originally set on March 13.

"If the fight doesn't materialize, it will be because of Manny Pacquiao's unwillingness to take random blood and urine tests, and I don't understand why," Ellerbe said.

In an offer that has a "take-it-or-leave-it" baggage, Arum recommended on Sunday entirely different series of tests to counter that of the Mayweathers'. In his suggestion, the tests will be handled by the Nevada Athletic Commission, which will have a say when and how many tests would be made.

Yet under Arum's proposal, there were already three dates when the tests would be made- the January press conference, another one that is no closer than 30 days before the fight, and one immediately after the bout.

"We will go along with what the Nevada commission decides. We will give them back a blank check," Arum said. "We want this fight to go forward."

Arum said that Pacquiao will not go further with the proposal, and if ever Mayweather, Jr. decides to insist on the Olympic- style blood testing, he will begin negotiations with the camp of Paul Malignaggi for a March fight starting today.

Arum said that it will take one hour for the fight to be signed.

Ellerbe, on the other hand, simply balked at Arum's idea.

Ellerbe implied that blood and urine tests will be useless if scheduled."The whole idea of doing scheduled blood and urine testing is absurd," Ellerbe said. "With all due respect to the Nevada Commission, Keith Kizer (Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director) has publicly gone on record and said they wouldn't be able to handle this particular issue at this particular time," Ellerbe said.

But while trying to insist on what type of drug tests should be imposed, Ellerbe said that their camp is still focused on making the best deal to make the fight - expected to be the richest ever with both fighters likely to earn at least #30 million each-push through.

"Our focus is on making a deal," he said.

Which is why Mayweather, Jr., unlike Pacquiao, has no Plan b.

Ellerbe said that the former pound-for-pound king before Pacquiao has not entertained thoughts of pushing toward a back-up plan.

SOURCE: PEOPLE'S JOURNAL

Floyd and Floyd Mayweather Jr' Camp - The Most Scared People In Boxing?!?!

At first, right before Manny Pacquiao become a Welterweight champion, Floyd Mayweather Sr. alleged Manny Pacquiao of using steroids. He states that a fighter with capability like Manny Pacquiao should be tested if positive with steroids. Pacman is jumping into weight divisions with no problem and thats impossible for a small man(Mayweather Sr. said).

Days after Pacquiao destroyed Miguel Cotto. Floyd Mayweather Jr indirectly called out Manny Pacquiao. He says: Why cant' Manny Pacquiao call me? Its just simple, He should just challenge me to fight. Why cant he? Because its a fight he know he can not win(Mayweather Jr said)!

Bob Arum immediately fly to Philippines within a week to negotiate the fight to Manny Pacquiao. Pacman, with no problem at all at 50/50 split signed the contract. Every body is very confident that the fight will happen.

Now its time for Floyd Mayweather Jr or the Pretty Boy Floyd to sign the contract. Demands from Floyd Jr rises from side to side. They initially wanted both fighters two weeks before the fight which was agreed by Manny's camp. However, now, Floyd's camp wanted the test to be done 48 hours before the fight. Which was outrightly rejected by Manny Pacquiao.

"We are not going to agree to have Manny give blood in training because thats stupid. Every doctor in the world will tell you that's stupid. He'll give his blood at the beginning of the year and he's willing to be urine tested 24/7, but blood doesn't show expletive and he's not going to do it." - Bob Arum said.

"Manny has lot more options than Mayweather does. Manny is clean and he's never done a thing, he's willing to go to great lengths to prove it. Its my understanding thats this stuff doesn't just leave your system overnight

He'll take a blood test immediately after the fight if thats what they insist upon. But Manny believes very strongly that it would be harmful to him to draw blood that soon before the fight and he plain and simple isn't going to d it". - Michael Koncz said.

"I understand Pacquiao not liking having his blood taken, because frankly, I don't know anyone who really does" - Floyd Mayweather Jr.

"Manny doesn't need Mayweather. Urine test is just qualified as blood test. Human Growth Hormone is not detected by blood or urine." - Freddy Roach

Actually, the Mayweather's camp doesnt want Floyd Mayweather Jr fighting Manny Pacquiao... Its really dead obvious! Manny already signed their contract. And Floyd's camp were finding ways to avoid the fight from happening!

Its really damn hypocrisy displayed by Floyd, Floyd's camp and of course, Floyd's fans. They were discrediting Pacquiao since he was @ 130lbs until he became a 147lbs champ(up to present) while alleging Pacquiao of using STEROIDS... Why? Coz they cant believe how great Pacquiao had become with the guide of a Trainer named Roach who was renamed by Floyd Sr as Cockroach.

Only one thing is for sure right now. Floyd's camp and Floyd Mayweather Jr doesnt want the fight to happen and they are really insecure of Manny Pacquiao.

Floyd Mayweather Jr and his camp should fight at chess and not boxing. Thay have no place for boxing as long as Manny Pacquiao is fighting...

Now, who needs Floyd Mayweather Jr in boxing?

Roach: Manny inks deal to fight Mayweather

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao has officially signed on to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. in what could be the biggest and richest fight in boxing history, the Filipino ring icon’s trainer said today.

Speaking to 8CountNews, Freddie Roach confirmed that his ward has indeed placed his signature on the fight contract, adding that the bout will be held on March 13.

“March 13th is the date, that's not going to change,” he told 8CountNews.

The multi-awarded trainer said that with Pacquiao inking the deal, it is now up to Mayweather to complete his end the deal.

“Well anything is possible with Floyd Mayweather involved, but we signed our contract and that's all I care about. There is nothing that I can do about the other guy. I don't know if they officially signed, but we have,” Roach said.

The bespectacled trainer added that among the things that the Pacquiao camp has agreed on were the glove size to be used and the weight class on which the fight would be held. He, however, did not provide further details.

“Everything looks good. We have agreed on the glove size, and the weight. I talked to (Pacquiao’s promoter Bob) Arum, Dallas wants the fight, MGM wants the fight, Yankee Stadium wants the fight, so it's just trying to find out where the venue is. The fight looks good,” Roach said.

And with the fight now closer to being finalized, how does Roach see Pacquiao matching up against Mayweather?

“It's a difficult fight, it's the most difficult style for us to go against because he (Mayweather) is a runner and a counter-puncher. We will go to camp and we will make some changes, we will set traps for this guy. This is completely opposite of the (Miguel) Cotto fight, opposite of the (Ricky) Hatton fight, and opposite from the (Oscar) De La Hoya fight. We will come up with a new game plan, a 10-week camp, and some changes. We will work on setting traps and taking Floyd's speed away from him,” he explained.

A Pacquiao-Mayweather bout would pit two of the best pound-for-pound fighters in their primes. It is expected to shatter existing pay-per-view records, with both fighters having proven themselves to be mammoth box-office draws. - By Dino Maragay (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com

Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather : Let's get started

Although reluctant at first to give the go signal on a of the 13 fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr, trainer Freddie Roach is now all out to have two of the world's top fighters pound-for-pound meet in the ring together three months from now hereon.

Actually, roach can't help himself get excited at the prospect of seeing him and Pacquiao get involved in a fight many sees as the biggest of all time.

"I can't wait to get started," said Roach, interviewed by Sky Sports News in London, where he is currently attending to Amir Khan's World Boxing Association (WBA) light-welterweight title defense against Dmitry Salita.

"We talked to (promoter Bob) Arum and he had March date and May 1 available, and Manny chose the earlier date because of the elections in the Philippines,

Roach earlier expressed reservation on Pacquiao taking to unbeaten Mayweather too soon in the wake of his 12-round stoppage of Miguel Cotto just last month, a bloody fight where the Filipino also got his own share of bruises, including a broken right eardrum.

But late Friday night, Pacquiao announced on national television that he has already given his nod to fight the 32-year-old Mayweather on the proposed date given by Arum.

"I'm okay with March 13, Bob (Arum) is just finalizing the details," said the boxing superstar from General Santos City. The date of the mega fights has been one of the many concerns during the negotiations Arum had with Golden Boy Promotions' Richard Schaefer, the man Mayweather Jr. allowed to negotiate in his behalf.

Arum took into consideration the fact that Pacquiao is running for a congressional seat in the lone district of Saranggani province during the national elections two months after the Mayweather fight.

And then of course, there's the Cotto fight factor.

But Pacquiao adviser Michael Konz, said the time world champion doesn't see any problem in a relatively small four-month window to get in shape for boxing's biggest fight.

"nobody knows his body better than Manny. If Manny feels that the plenty of time to rest and recover, then you know, he has to do what he feels is right," Koncz said.

Although thrilled by the showdown, Roach admitted taking on Mayweather Jr. is definitely though.

It's a tough fight because his (Mayweather's) style does give us difficulties, and we need to draft a plan for a new strategy. Yes, it's a tough fight, but it's fight Manny wants," said the three-time Trainer of the Year.

Both fighters reportedly agreed to 50-50 split of the prize purse, with Pacquiao staking the World Boxing Organization(WBO) welterweight title he won from Cotto, meaqning the fight would be at 147 pounds.

The two will also wear 9 ounce gloves, although each will be allowed to select the brand of gloves he will wear for the fight.

The venue of the bout has also yet to be finalized, with the Dallas Cowboys stadium, the New Orleans Superdome and venues in Las Vegas, including the MGM Grand and a temporary outdoor stadium on the Strip, among those being considered.

SOURCE: PEOPLE'S TONIGHT

AUTHOR: GERRY RAMOS