Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao Update: Stadiums and Steroids?

Written by Demetrus Stokes
Saturday, 12 December 2009 19:45





The mega fight between Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Manny Pacquiao is virtually a done deal though some items need to be finalized.

One thing is for sure, the trash talking has already begun.

Leading the charge is Mayweather’s father, Floyd Mayweather, Sr.

His explanation for Manny Pacquiao being able to move up and win titles in seven different weight classes?

Steroids.

Mayweather, Sr. just can’t believe that Pacquiao’s success has come naturally. He is accusing the man of using performance enhancers.

In Pacquiao’s defense, he has never had a failed drug test.

Whether Mayweather’s allegations have anything to do with it or not, both fighters have agreed to very intrusive drug testing leading up to the fight. The testing, which will include blood testing will be tested at UCLA.

Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach who is known for his bold predictions prior to Pacquiao’s fights (guess they aren’t too bold since Manny is winning) says that he has no problems with the drug testing but accuses the Mayweathers of being afraid of Manny’s power.

Whether or not Mayweather, Jr. is afraid or not remains to be seen but it certainly looks like things are heating up.

Another area of the mega bout that’s heating up is the proposed venue for this colossal matchup.

Early speculation was that it is between Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Dallas.

It looks like Dallas is out of the running. The reason? No one knows, except Richard Schaefer.

A tour of the new Dallas Cowboys stadium was canceled by Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer. The tour was supposed to be attended by Schaefer, Bob Arum who is Manny Pacquiao’s promoter and co-promoter of the bout and HBO president Ross Greenburg.

Unbeknownst to Arum, Schaefer abruptly canceled the tour.

“Richard called me last night and said he won’t go to Texas,” Arum said. “And I told him to call Ross and tell him. And then I called Ross and said, “You don’t want me to go if he’s not going. If Jerry Jones (Owner of the Dallas Cowboys) offers me money for the fight what is Pacquiao going to do? Go in the ring alone? Schaefer just said, ‘I’m not going to Texas. I’m not going to do the fight in Texas. I’m not going to waste my time’. That’s the explanation.”

Schaefer also told Arum that with the bout tentatively scheduled for March 13th they didn’t have time to plan a fight in an outdoor stadium. Weird statement considering that the new Cowboys stadium has a retractable roof and can be closed if need be.

It sounds like Golden Boy wants the fight to be in Las Vegas and that is probably the likely location for the match. The Superdome in New Orleans is still in the running, as is Land Shark Stadium home of the Miami Dolphins, though that wouldn’t work since Schaefer doesn’t like outdoor stadiums.

We here at HitTheRopes.com will keep you posted on any new developments.



UPDATE: Dallas Cowboys Owner, Jerry Jones has reportedly offered $25 million dollars to host the fight though this has not changed the position of Golden Boy or Team Mayweather to have the fight in Dallas.

Source: hittheropes.com