In perhaps one of the rarest occurrences we will ever see, Manny Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are agreeing on something – the drug fine penalty issue.
It will be recalled that it was Pacquiao's adviser, Michael Koncz who demanded for the $5 Million penalty clause in the event that any of the fighters would test positive for banned substance use during the random blood testing protocol which will be handled by USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency).
The issue had drawn criticism from Mayweather's adviser, Leonard Ellerbe, who rejected the clause as well. Apparently he believed that the additional fine is ridiculous considering that USADA would already be fined should they be found positive for banned substance use.
If that should happen, USADA would be fining any fighter way more than the controversial $5 million penalty thus rendering the clause a bit repetitive and well, immaterial.
It wasn't too long ago that Pacquiao had been accused by the camp of Mayweather, particularly Floyd Mayweather Sr., of possibly taking PEDs. They were in disbelief at how the Filipino boxer was able to rise in boxing weight divisions and claim titles as well.
Pacquiao would counter with a defamation lawsuit against Mayweather and Golden Boy Promotions for the claims but the lawsuit was eventually dropped when Pacquiao and Mayweather settled it in 2012.
Many had earlier speculated that the drug testing debate could possibly derail the fight but Arum believes that this will never happen.
Arum stressed that both fighters had already signed the contract and the fact that both fighters are heavily training in preparation for the May 2 tiff which will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Additionally, Arum said that he believes Pacquiao holds an edge over Mayweather despite the fact that most analysts and critics are favouring the undefeated Mayweather.
