To bleed, or not to bleed -- is that really the question? "More like Team Mayweather doth protest too much, methinks," said Bob Arum, chairman of Top Rank, the promoter of seven-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. In response to the release sent out Tuesday by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions which stated that Mayweather vs. Pacquiao was "in jeopardy," Arum had the following to say:
"Let's be very clear on the real issues we differ on. It's not about being tested. Manny is onboard with that since it's such a major concern of Floyd Mayweather, Jr. It's about who does the testing and the scheduling of the procedures. Manny will submit to as many random urine tests requested. Regarding the blood tests, he will subject himself to three tests; one given in January during the week the fight is formally announced, one thirty days from the fight, no later than February 13, and the final one immediately following the fight, in Manny's locker room. The major issue related to the testing rests with which independent agency will administer these tests. The United States Anti Doping Agency (USADA) cannot do it because they will not amend its procedures to accommodate the blood testing schedule we have outlined. USADA, under its guidelines, would have the right to administer random blood tests as many times as they want up to weigh-in day and that is ludicrous.
"Our suggestion is to utilize any of the independent agencies that work with the National Football League, the National Basketball Association or Major League Baseball, since they administer drug testing for their professional athletes."
New York-based athletic physician, Dr. Keith Pyne, a private injury consultant for NFL athletes and those who participate in running and combat sports, told AOL Fanhouse, "I have more than 800 guys who are special athletes who are all drug-tested. And the urine testing is sufficient that you won't miss anything, especially with performance-enhancing drugs. So, yes, I believe that the urine testing is more than sufficient for boxing. If you're using steroids, it's going to come up for sure in urine. There's no way it's going to get through the liver and the kidney without being detected."
"If Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions are sincere in creating "a level playing field," as they stated in their release, our recommendations should put their minds at ease," said Arum. "If not, one has to wonder if their motives are more about leveling the fight."