By Edward Chaykovsky
Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum is siding with the opinion of Floyd Mayweather, and says there is no reason for a $5 million penalty in the upcoming fight with Manny Pacquiao on May 2nd at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao's adviser, Michael Koncz, recently demanded a clause which called for a penalty of $5 million if one of the boxers tested positive for a banned substance in the ongoing random drug testing protocol being run by USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency).
Mayweather's adviser Leonard Ellerbe, at the direction of his client, rejected the clause of $5 million. USADA, who is working closely with the Nevada State Athletic Commission, has already issued a statement making it clear that the offending party would be subject to a fine which is much higher than $5 million.
“It’s a nonsense issue at all. Mayweather is right. There is no need of it since they would be penalized by more than $5 million by the Nevada Athletic Commission if ever they become positive of drug use. [This argument between them] won’t derail the fight and it won’t be postponed because they’ve both signed the contract. Both fighters are gearing up with more days left and I believe Manny has the edge to win over Floyd,” Arum told The Manila Times.
