SPECIAL REPORT
   INSIDE BOXING    
BY STEPHEN S. JOHNSON

(IB-December 25, 2009) The war of words between the Pacquiao and Mayweather representatives has escalated to the point where the FIGHT OF THE CENTURY not happening has become a distinct possibility.

Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum has publicly stated that he "no longer is talking about Floyd Mayweather, Jr. but looking at a March 13, 2010 bout against Paulie Malignaggi. We are seriously considering a date with Shane Mosley, should he defeat Andre Berto on January 30th. Mosley will not play any games with testing like Mayweather is trying. I said all along that Mayweather was afraid to fight my guy and all this peripheral crap is just another way of him proving that he is a coward, plain and simple". 

Arum further says that there will NEVER be any testing other than what the NBC (Nevada Boxing Commission) mandates.
GOLDEN BOY CEO Richard Schaefer fires back that the fight can go on without Arum.

Schaefer is asking for an arbitraitor to decide who should do the testing and what the tests should be looking for.

Arum says testing by urine is all that is/should be done and requested that NFL and MLB guidelines should be used.
The issue of Manny Pacquiao cheating is one that has to grate on the nerves of any boxer or promoter in the sport.
NEVER and I repeat NEVER has anyone EVER questioned the character of Manny Pacquiao.

The representatives of Floyd Mayweather may think this tactic puts them in the drivers seat, but what it really does is jeopardize the chance Mayweather, Jr. has of fighting Pacquiao in anywhere close to the terms he now demands.

There are several fights out there that Pacquiao can take (none as lucrative as Mayweather) while forcing Mayweather, Jr. to wait.
Mayweather, Jr. has allowed his recent tiff with Shane Moseley, who accused him of "ducking me",  to have him proclaim he will never fight Moseley "for being disrespectful".

Remember the phrase "What's good for the goose is good for the gander?"

Should Mayweather continue to gamble with the blood-testing issue, the probability of Pacquiao "moving on" is very real.
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. may THINK he is getting under the skin of Manny Pacquiao, but it is apparent that the shenanigans have gotten under the skin of Bob Arum.

The folks at GOLDEN BOY had better come to their senses soon and understand Pacquiao and not Mayweather, drives this bus.

SPECIAL REPORT...INSIDEBOXING.COM
by STEPHEN S. JOHNSON
December 22, 2009

Well, fight fans...The one virtual positive for the supposed March 13, 2010 bout featuring Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is that my Las Vegas sources have verified the MGM GRAND HOTEL AND CASINO will host the bout.
GOLDEN BOY PRODUCTIONS President Oscar de la Hoya, has declared the long standing relationship both he and professional CHAMPIONSHIP bouts have enjoyed per the support and generosity of the Las Vegas community will not be denied. 
The fight that will generate more revenue than any other in the history of the sport was being courted by other venues that offered more financially in "up front" monies, but would have ultimately proved to be a "one time windfall" that de la Hoya decided was not as valuable as the long term relationship enjoyed with the Las Vegas Connection. 
The contract that has allegedly been signed by Pacquiao, is in the hands of the Mayweather team.
Speculation has it that Pacquiao demands a 60/40 split while Mayweather requests 50/50.
The catch weight of the bout as demanded by Pacquaio is the welterweight limit of 147.
Also requested by Pacquaio is that in the event Mayweather doesn't make the 147 weight limit, the purse goes 65/35.
Promoter Bob Arum has his hands full in making this fight happen even though these "minor obstacles" remain quite major.
As promised, newest developments (and finalized verification) will be reported 1st at INSIDEBOXING.COM.