Tweet
Pacquiao says Floyd deal 'almost done'
ESPN staff
November 30, 2011
WBO welterweight king Manny Pacquiao claims there are only a few "little things" to sort out before he signs to fight Floyd Mayweather Jnr in Las Vegas on May 5 next year.
This week WBC champion Mayweather suggested everything was done on his side, and that he was just waiting for Pacquiao to agree to drug-testing demands.
The last round of negotiations broke down over this issue, with Mayweather wanting sampling to go on for longer than Pacquiao was willing to permit. The Filipino said that losing blood too close to fight night would affect his performance in the ring.
However, the Pacquiao camp have stressed in recent months that their man is ready to go along with the American's requirements - and now it seems the bout is very close to confirmation.
"We are ready," Pacquiao told abs-cbnnews.com. "If it pushes through, once he signs the contract then I'll sign the contract. Only the little things are being worked out and negotiations are almost done."
Following Pacquiao's controversial points win against Juan Manuel Marquez earlier this month, there was clamour for a rematch. Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum, who has made no secret of his disdain for Mayweather, seemed keen on the idea.
However, trainer Freddie Roach and conditioning supremo Alex Ariza reportedly wanted Pacquiao to face Mayweather instead - and they appear to have got their wish.
ESPN staff
November 30, 2011
WBO welterweight king Manny Pacquiao claims there are only a few "little things" to sort out before he signs to fight Floyd Mayweather Jnr in Las Vegas on May 5 next year.
This week WBC champion Mayweather suggested everything was done on his side, and that he was just waiting for Pacquiao to agree to drug-testing demands.
The last round of negotiations broke down over this issue, with Mayweather wanting sampling to go on for longer than Pacquiao was willing to permit. The Filipino said that losing blood too close to fight night would affect his performance in the ring.
However, the Pacquiao camp have stressed in recent months that their man is ready to go along with the American's requirements - and now it seems the bout is very close to confirmation.
"We are ready," Pacquiao told abs-cbnnews.com. "If it pushes through, once he signs the contract then I'll sign the contract. Only the little things are being worked out and negotiations are almost done."
Following Pacquiao's controversial points win against Juan Manuel Marquez earlier this month, there was clamour for a rematch. Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum, who has made no secret of his disdain for Mayweather, seemed keen on the idea.
However, trainer Freddie Roach and conditioning supremo Alex Ariza reportedly wanted Pacquiao to face Mayweather instead - and they appear to have got their wish.
Comment