Mayweather vs. Pacquiao: Pac-Man Reportedly Undergoes Surprise Drug Test
Manny Pacquiao has reportedly undergone the first random drug test ahead of his long-awaited bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 2 in Las Vegas.
According to a report on GMA News' 24 Oras show, an "unannounced" medic headed to the Wild Card Gym in Pan Pacific Park, Los Angeles, to collect a blood and urine sample from the Filipino boxer. Pacquiao is said to have had "no problem" with the screening, which took place on Saturday (Sunday in the Philippines), per GMA News' article.
The Agence France-Presse report (h/t Yahoo) suggests Pacquiao's samples will be tested for human growth hormones (HGH) and erythropoietin (EPO)—which increases the rate of red-blood-cell production—among other illegal substances.
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As previously noted by The Associated Press (h/t ABC News), both fighters agreed to abide by World Anti-Doping Agency rules ahead of their Las Vegas showdown. This means the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is free to take blood and urine samples at any point before the contest, with both participants also undergoing testing after the fight.
USADA chief executive Travis Tygart recently praised the iconic boxers for agreeing to Olympic-style examination, as reported by the Los Angeles Times:
"It’s a strong statement of the importance of clean and safe competition to have these two fighters voluntarily agree to have a WADA-level anti-doping program implemented for this fight. We commend them for their stand for clean sport and the message it sends to all those who want to compete clean at the highest levels of all sport.
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As noted in the LA Times' article, any failed tests could lead to a four-year ban from the sport. This would most likely end the career of either fighter.
Pacquiao's reported unwillingness to agree to WADA regulations allegedly halted this fight from taking place in 2010. Mayweather accused his opposite of being on "power pellets," a reference to his Pac-Man nickname, a comment that ultimately prompted Pacquiao to sue Pretty Boy for defamation, per The Associated Press (h/t ESPN). The case was settled out of court.
With the upcoming fight finally agreed upon, GMA News reports Pacquiao has pushed for either fighter to receive a $5 million fine if they breach the WADA's rules.
There's no doubt this is set to be one of the biggest bouts in the history of the sport. Both Mayweather and Pacquiao command box office value across the globe, so tight drug-testing regulations are needed to ensure no waste of time and considerable money.
Mayweather's unbeaten record stands at 47-0. Although many suspect Pacquiao's greatest shot at beating him would have come in 2010—when he possessed notable knockout power—this is still set to be one of the most enticing boxing matches in recent history.
Pacquiao's random test is likely the first of a few for both fighters, who need to be in top form when May 2 arrives.
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