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The much anticipated clash between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao is in doubt due to a dispute over drug testing.
Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions have issued a statement claiming that Pacquiao's refusal to take a blood test 30 days before the March bout meant the showdown was now "in jeopardy".
Golden Boy chief executive Richard Schaefer said: "Todd (Top Rank president Todd duBoef) told me that Pacquiao has difficulty with taking blood and doesn't want to do it so close to the fight.
"He, Pacquiao, would only agree to have blood drawn before the kick-off press conference and after the fight.
"It is unfortunate to hear this from Manny Pacquiao's representatives, particularly since, as of today, both parties had worked out all other issues related to this fight.
"Team Mayweather is certainly surprised that an elite athlete like Manny Pacquiao would refuse drug testing procedures which Floyd has already agreed to and have been agreed to by many other top athletes such as Lance Armstrong, and Olympians Michael Phelps, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant."
Mayweather has insisted that Pacquiao's failure to accept the Olympic-style testing has left him questioning the possible "fairness" of the fight.
"I understand Pacquiao not liking having his blood taken, because frankly I don't know anyone who really does," said Mayweather.
"But in a fight of this magnitude, I think it is our responsibility to subject ourselves to sportsmanship at the highest level.
"I have already agreed to the testing and it is a shame that he is not willing to do the same.
"It leaves me with great doubt as to the level of fairness I would be facing in the ring that night."
Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions have issued a statement claiming that Pacquiao's refusal to take a blood test 30 days before the March bout meant the showdown was now "in jeopardy".
Golden Boy chief executive Richard Schaefer said: "Todd (Top Rank president Todd duBoef) told me that Pacquiao has difficulty with taking blood and doesn't want to do it so close to the fight.
"He, Pacquiao, would only agree to have blood drawn before the kick-off press conference and after the fight.
"It is unfortunate to hear this from Manny Pacquiao's representatives, particularly since, as of today, both parties had worked out all other issues related to this fight.
"Team Mayweather is certainly surprised that an elite athlete like Manny Pacquiao would refuse drug testing procedures which Floyd has already agreed to and have been agreed to by many other top athletes such as Lance Armstrong, and Olympians Michael Phelps, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant."
Mayweather has insisted that Pacquiao's failure to accept the Olympic-style testing has left him questioning the possible "fairness" of the fight.
"I understand Pacquiao not liking having his blood taken, because frankly I don't know anyone who really does," said Mayweather.
"But in a fight of this magnitude, I think it is our responsibility to subject ourselves to sportsmanship at the highest level.
"I have already agreed to the testing and it is a shame that he is not willing to do the same.
"It leaves me with great doubt as to the level of fairness I would be facing in the ring that night."
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