Every source I've spoken to on this, has told me the same thing.
Team Pacquuiao would be very happy, if they could negotiate Pacquiao's retirement, without answering the Mayweather question. In truth, they're more confident they can win the media war, than actually beat Mayweather in a boxing ring.
As I said, look at the series of events.
Mayweather and Pacquiao negotiate. Pacquiao makes several, rather strange demands, which many people I've spoken to in the fight game think were actually designed to scare Mayweather off.
The $10 million a pound weight penalty.
The demand that light gloves be used (knowing Mayweather can only box with heavy gloves because of his injuries)
The demand that a small ring be used (knowing Mayweather usually demands a big ring)
Floyd, surprisingly, according to the scribes I spoke to accepted this. As well as a 50/50 split. However, when he came back with his list of demands, there was seemingly something on there that Team Pacquiao didn't like.
Full Random drug testing.
The media response from Arum and Pacquiao was farcical.. And in truth, according to the guys I've spoken to, only worked out because of a lot of favours behind the scenes to help him out of a tricky spot.
First Top Ranks media people put out that Pacquiao was "scared of needles". Until eagle eye fans commented that he actually had a lot of tattoos.
Top Ranks media team then briefed the media, that Pacquiao was "supersiticious about blood" and stated that he didn't like doing blood tests. Again, this didn't really resonate with fans.
Then Top Ranks media team came back with "Pacquiao is physically weakened by blood loss". This is 3 changes of position, in about 20 hours.
Top Rank then flip flopped on other things. Changing their position on dates of testing from "24 days" to "no random testing" to "3 pre planned testing periods" and then back to "no random testing.
Mayweathers people then came back with a new offer. Taking into account the various Top Rank claims about Pacquiao's health. No tests within 14 days of the fight. Top Rank refused this out of hand, again, stating no random testing at all will happen.
Pacquiao then walked. And signed to face Josh Clottey instead. And hasn't fought anyone not affiliated to Top Rank since.
Speaking to my contacts in boxing publishing, we've all come to a similar conclusion.
Was Bob Arum expecting Mayweather to accept his LOUSY original offer? and was it a case that once he (surprisingly) did, did Arum then engineer Pacquiao out of the deal.
Look what's happened since then if you will.
A 2nd half hearted negotiation, in which, according to most sources I have, Bob Arum never even got to a point where he spoke to anyone from Golden Boy. In fact, both Jeff Mayweather, and Michael Koncz quite openly have stated the talks were little more than "provisional".
Then Top Rank and Pacquiao starting long, drawn out legal proceedings, against both the person they supposedly want to fight, and the promoters they supposedly want to pay them. I've spoken to a contact on this, and he tells me this won't be in court until late 2011 minimum. He states, "probably closer to Spring 2012". And that the court case "could go into 2013".
This legal move means, a bout may well be impossibly until late 2013.
Again, the purpose of debate is tocome to your own conclusions, but the sources I've spoken to have said that they think Team Pacquiao have put quite a few barriers of their own in place, to make sure we don't see this fight in the medium term.
You may find this is about nobody wants. Neither boxer. Neither promoter
No comments:
Post a Comment