Audio By Carbonatix
Floyd Mayweather Jr's camp claim the American's planned super fight with Manny Pacquiao is now "in jeopardy".
Mayweather and the Filipino star were close to agreeing a 13 March meeting.
But the American's camp say they have been told by Pacquiao's promoters that he will not agree to blood-testing in the 30 days prior to the fight.
"He, Pacquiao, would only agree to have blood drawn before the kick-off press conference and after the fight," said Mayweather associate Richard Schaefer.
"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."
Unbeaten Mayweather's management want both men - regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world - to submit to blood-testing prior to the bout, to ensure both men are clean.
Schaefer, who is chief executive of Golden Boy Promotions, added: "Todd (DuBoef, president of Pacquiao's promoters Top Rank) told me that Pacquiao has difficulty with taking blood and doesn't want to do it so close to the fight."
Mayweather, 32, urged 31-year-old Pacquiao to agree to the blood testing.
"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."
The welterweight fight, which would be the richest of all time, had widely been expected to be formalised this week, with an official announcement on 6 January.
It was expected to be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The Staples Center in Los Angeles, home of the NBA's Lakers was also touted as a possible venue and representatives of the New Orleans Superdome were also said to be interested in hosting arguably the biggest fight since the turn of the century.
Filipino Pacquiao became a five-weight world champion following his WBO welterweight title win over Miguel Cotto in November, while Las Vegas-based Mayweather returned from a 21-month retirement to beat Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in September.
Source: BBC
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Driver, passenger escape unhurt after tree falls on taxi at Golf Hills
8 minutes -
We’re fully prepared and determined to secure victory – Black Stars assure Mahama
9 minutes -
2026 World Cup: Late Yirenkyi strike gives Ghana victory over Panama in opener
23 minutes -
I knew stuttered run-up might get keeper off line – Kane
3 hours -
Diaspora Affairs Office endorses partnership for Ghana Diaspora Volunteerism Initiative
4 hours -
Kane and Bellingham shine as England outshine Croatia in thriller
4 hours -
‘Chip on shoulder’ may help Bellingham to best form
4 hours -
Real Madrid sign Silva on free after Man City exit
4 hours -
2026 World Cup: DR Congo stun Portugal to claim point in opening game
4 hours -
Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu in prison custody, not under house arrest – Kwakye Ofosu
4 hours -
NPA inaugurates 16-member committee to develop bitumen regulatory framework
5 hours -
Photos: Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye arrives in Accra for reparatory justice conference
5 hours -
Ex-health worker tried to sell Catherine’s medical records
5 hours -
Trade Minister, Ambassador to US, others to grace Litina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Business Expo
6 hours -
Sports Minister rallies support for Black Stars for World Cup opener
6 hours