Pacquiao adviser: Mayweather declines $5M penalty for future failed drug tests
Floyd Mayweather Jr. has refused to agree to terms on a $5-million penalty if he or Manny Pacquiao were to fail a drug test before or after their May 2 fight, Pacquiao's adviser Michael Koncz told ESPN.
The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) already reached an agreement with both fighters to test blood and urine samples at random, but Koncz alleged that the Mayweather camp wasn't receptive to a separate $5-million penalty in the event of a failed test.
"Today we were informed that Mayweather turned down the request," Koncz said Thursday to ESPN's Dan Rafael. "Manny had requested that there would be a reciprocal fine of $5 million for a failed drug test."
Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, sneered at Koncz's suggestion.
"Michael Koncz is an idiot, and Manny Pacquiao should be ashamed to have him as his representative in my opinion," Ellerbe said. "It's obvious he didn't read the contract. Why would he have his fighter sign something he was not happy with? The deal was negotiated up and down by his promoter (Bob Arum of Top Rank) on behalf of Manny with Floyd and Mayweather Promotions, and it's been well documented in the media for quite some time.
"If this moron didn't convey his fighter's wishes when the negotiation was going on that's their problem. This is a lame-ass attempt to generate publicity."
The issue of drug testing remains a contentious issue, even with the fight less than two months away. Pacquiao once successfully sued Mayweather for defamation after the American superstar alleged that Pacquiao used performance-enhancing drugs, a claim found to be untrue.
"They have made derogatory statements for years about Manny (supposedly using PEDs) and now we challenged them by asking for the $5-million fine, and they refused to do it. It's disheartening," Koncz said.
Ellerbe found Koncz's claims laughable, vehemently denying that Mayweather was opposed to stringent testing.
"If Manny Pacquiao tested positive it is going to cost him a whole lot more than $5 million. All parties signed a contract agreeing to every term. Where has this idiot Koncz been? It sounds like he didn't read the documents they signed. No wonder why his fighter is always confused.
"It sounds like that idiot is suggesting there's a $5-million price tag if Manny comes up positive. That sounds suspicious. All I know is we welcome random testing as we always have."
With the WBA, WBC, WBO and The Ring welterweight title on the line, expect Mayweather and Pacquiao's camps to throw barbs at each other leading up to the May 2 contest.