General Admission
Pacquiao-Mayweather fight in jeopardy?
By Al S. Mendoza
THE euphoria has died down a bit.
While initially, the world has become ecstatic over the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight finally happening on May 2 in Las Vegas (May 3 in the Philippines), here comes an obstacle looming large in the horizons.
It’s the possibility that either Pacquiao or Mayweather may test positive for a banned substance in their blood and urine samples.
As we all know, a random drug testing has been incorporated in the fight contract.
Meaning, the random drug testing will subject each boxer to tests any time of day or any day of the week from now up to the fight night of the bout.
We all know, too, that most athletes—boxers included—take power-boosting vitamins.
And, shockingly, with many not knowing it, they might have taken drugs containing banned substances listed in the Olympic master list.
To those not yet in the know, the random drug testing agreed upon in the run-up to the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight is patterned after the Olympic procedure.
Samples of blood and urine are taken at the most unexpected moments as if the athletes subjected to tests are hiding something illegal.
At times, an athlete would test positive, resulting in consequences that could sometimes be career-ending for the guilty athlete.
The cruel part is, sometimes, the one tested positive never knew he had knowingly taken a vitamin containing a banned substance.
Sadly, that can’t be a defense.
In most times, he is guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
He will suffer months, at times years, of suspension.
Sometimes, he is banned for life.
When Pacquiao suggested that a fine of $5 million be imposed on him or Mayweather in case a test proves positive for banned drugs on either of them, “Money” had laughed it off.
But today, Mayweather isn’t laughing anymore.
The US Anti-Doping Agency, the body tasked to administer tests on both fighters, said more than the $5-M fine will be meted to any one testing positive.
The minimum penalty is a four-year ban.
Once that happens, it could be the end of the line for either Pacquiao or Mayweather because they aren’t spring chicken anymore.
At 38, Mayweather, if found positive, will be 42 after having served the four-year ban.
At 36, Pacquiao, if found positive, will be 40.
And how about this?
Their million-dollar fight, the richest of all time and now almost $400M in gross sales, could be in jeopardy as the Nevada State Commission is mandated to impose sanctions should tests on anyone come out dirty.
What has Mayweather, the author of the random drug testing who is set to pocket $120M after the fight, done?
Without a doubt, he had the noblest of intentions when he insisted on it.
Let’s hope it won’t mess up the fight.
I hate to see Pacquiao’s $80-million take go down the drain—all because of Mayweather’s folly.
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