Pacquiao to sue Mayweather and Golden Boy

In what appears to be a hastily pulled together statement, Top Rank Promotions says that Manny Pacquiao (above right) is preparing to sue Floyd Mayweather Jr. (above left), his father and Golden Boy Promotions for remarks made by the boxer and people in his camp regarding Pacquiao's possible use of performance-enhancing drugs.

The statement read in part: "These people, Mayweather Sr., Jr., and Golden Boy Promotions, think it is a joke and a right to accuse someone wrongly of using steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. . . I have instructed my promoter, Bob Arum head of Top Rank Inc., to help me out in the filing of the case as soon as possible . . ."

Negotiations for a mega-fight between the boxers for March 13 have stalled on the issue of drug testing. Pacquiao isn't receptive to Team Mayweather's suggestion to adopt U.S. Anti-Doping Agency guidelines that will subject him to repeated blood tests in the days leading up to the fight. Mayweather said he wants assurance the bout is fought on a level playing field. Pacquiao would prefer urine testing done by either the Nevada State Athletic Commission or testers who preside over NFL and Major League Baseball programs.

Here's an updated statement from Top Rank and Pacquiao:

SARANGANI, PHILIPPINES (Dec. 25) Saying that his character and person has been questioned, maligned, damaged and tarnished by baseless and false accusations, pound-for-pound boxing king Manny Pacquiao and promoter Top Rank Inc. announced today the filing of a lawsuit within the next few days against the Mayweathers, Floyd Sr. and Jr., et al, and Golden Boy Promotions.

Enough is enough. These people, Mayweather Sr., Jr., and Golden Boy Promotions, think it is a joke and a right to accuse someone wrongly of using steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. I have tried to just brush it off as a mere pre-fight ploy but I think they have gone overboard, said Pacquiao in Tagalog while celebrating Christmas with his family here.

I have instructed my promoter, Bob Arum, head of Top Rank Inc., to help me out in the filing of the case as soon as possible because I have had people coming over to me now asking if I really take performance-enhancing drugs and I have cheated my way into becoming the No. 1 boxer in the world, said Pacquiao.

Libel, slander and defamation suits are being readied against the accused to once and for all clear out Pacquiaos good name and character.
This week, Mayweather and Golden Boy Promotions came out with a press release threatening to put a stop to the projected biggest fight in boxing history between the two top pound-for-pound fighters in the world, by asking too many unrealistic and unprecedented items on the bargaining table, including that of an Olympic-style drug testing.

I maintain and assure everyone that I have not used any form or kind of steroids and that my way to the top is a result of hard work, hard work, hard work and a lot of blood spilled from my past battles in the ring, not outside of it, added the Filipino champion who just turned 31 a week ago. I have no idea what steroids look like and my fear in God has kept me safe and victorious through all these years.

Now, I say to Floyd Mayweather Jr., dont be a coward and face me in the ring, mano-a-mano and shut your big, pretty mouth, so we can show the world who is the true king of the ring, said Pacquiao, who has been contemplating on filing a case against Mayweather Sr. even before the start of his Nov. 14 fight with Miguel Angel Cotto. I did not sue because I did not want to get distracted during that time because I was preparing for one of the toughest fights in my career.

Pretty Boy Floyd, face me instead on March 13 in Las Vegas and not in some talk show forum or in press releases written for you by people who dont even know me. Face me in a fight where I get to punch back. You and your cohorts have accused me of using performance-enhancing drugs. Now, I say, the burden of proof should now come from you, not me, said Pacquiao, the only seven-time, seven-weight division champion in the history of the sport.

Pacquiao said he is not against any form of drug testing mandated by any state athletic sports commission whenever, wherever he fights. He just finds it funny and stupid to change a system that has been set for decades now. Pacquiao undergoes drug testing and other medical examinations before and after every fight over the past 15 years and has never failed any of these tests.

These people think they are doing the sport a great service. They are not, added Pacquiao. To Floyd, despite all these accusations, may your Christmas be merry and I will see you in court, soon, too.

-- Lance Pugmire

Source: latimes.com