Pacman wants $5-M drug fine in Mayweather bout

MANILA, Philippines - World boxing icon and Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao yesterday disclosed that the proposed $5- million fine for use of illegal drugs in the contract in his fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. is being ironed out even as he maintained that the deal for the blockbuster showdown is “almost done.”

He said he asked that the provision be included in the contract because of Mayweather’s repeated allegations that he was using performance-enhancing drugs.

“I’ve no problem with drug testing. In fact, in the contract, I was the one who suggested the $5-million fine if one is tested positive for drugs. I was the one who inserted that because that’s needed,” Pacquiao told reporters at the House of Representatives in Filipino.

He also insisted that the deal for the fight was “almost done.”

“The negotiations are almost done. Let’s wait for them to announce the fight. We’ve agreed with the terms and conditions,” he said.

He said his camp has no authority to make the official announcement about the fight.

Pacquiao declined to make predictions about the fight except that it is going to be a “beautiful one.”

However, during a lull toward the end of the third quarter in yesterday’s NBA All-Star Game, Mayweather told TNT that the Pacquiao fight is not a done deal yet.

“That’s not true,” said Mayweather, who wore a croc skin jacket with matching boots. It was freezing in New York.

A report went viral the other day saying the fight is on and all that’s needed is Mayweather’s signature and subsequent announcement.

Mayweather refuted the claim.

“I haven’t signed yet. He hasn’t signed yet, you know. It’s just been speculations and rumors. But hopefully we could make the fight happen,” he said.

Pacquiao, who was thousands of miles away, was quoted on national television three days ago that the fight is on.

“Pirma na lang niya,” Pacquiao said, insinuating that he has signed the contract for the fight that could generate over $250 million.

Negotiations for the fight to happen on May 2 at the MGM Grand have been the hottest topic in sports the past few weeks.

Everybody’s trying to beat everybody to the good news. Last month, newspapers ran front-page stories that the fight is on.

Negotiations are still on.

Those who are really in the know are now saying it may take a few more days or a week or two before a deal is finally reached.

The announcement may come before, on or after Mayweather’s 38th birthday on Feb. 24.

It’s either they seal the deal or both Mayweather and Pacquiao will move on to fight someone else in May.

Mayweather already has a lock on May 2 at the MGM Grand while Pacquiao, according to promoter Bob Arum, could fight someone else on May 30.

The TNT reporter horsed around with Mayweather, asking the latter if he could push the fight to June or July because he will be away in May.

“I’m Mayweather. We have to make it happen in May,” the undefeated boxer replied. – With reports from Abac Cordero