The advisers for Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are trading words over a $5 million dollar drug testing fine.
Manny Pacquiao’s adviser, Michael Koncz, told the Los Angeles Times that Team Mayweather rejected Manny's request for a $5 million penalty if either boxer comes up positive for a banned substance in a drug test. United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) is handling the random drug testing protocol.
The fight is set for May 2nd from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“I have no idea what they’re thinking about,” Koncz told the paper. “If they truly wanted to clean up the sport, I think it sets a good example to the world that there’s nothing to hide. I want to put my money where my mouth is. Over the years, they’ve made accusations against us. They never requested the penalty. Manny was adamant about it. We’re not making any accusations, but it’s a reasonable request.”
Mayweather's adviser, Leonard Ellerbe, also spoke with The Times and he believes Pacquiao and Koncz are trying to get some publicity with their demand. He says USADA operates under the World Anti-Doping Agency code, and either fighter testing positive for performance enhancing drugs would ban them from boxing for four years.
“We have no plan on limiting the liability and damages if Manny tested positive,” Ellerbe said. “They must be worried if they’re bringing this up. Essentially, what they’re trying to do is put a $5 million price tag if Manny tested positive. It’s awfully suspicious to me.
“If you’re supposed to be the manager, you need to read the language in the contract before you let your fighter sign. That’s why, in my opinion, Michael Koncz is the biggest idiot in all of boxing. He obviously didn’t read the agreement before he had his client sign the agreemen