Manny Pacquiao Gets Ulcer: Too Bad Mayweather Isn't the Cause

WBO world welterweight champion Manny "Pac-Man" Pacquiao was admitted to a hospital in suburban Manila to treat a mild stomach ulcer earlier this week.

Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KOs), who is rated by Ring Magazine as the No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world, won a seat in the Philippines House of Representatives May 10.

"Really, Manny can only rest if you confine him to a hospital," said Pacquiao's chief of staff, Jayke Joson. "It's been so intense a campaign, he's missed some of his meals."

Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, said that "The Fighting Pride of the Philippines" will fight on November 13 in Las Vegas or Texas against an opponent to be determined.

Boxing fans have rightfully clamored for a bout pitting Pacquiao versus former pound-for-pound king "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather (41-0, 25 KOs) for nearly a year.

Unfortunately, the Pacquiao and Mayweather camps have been unable to agree on a drug testing protocol to cement the lucrative prizefight.

Mayweather has been adamant that he will not battle Pacquiao unless the Filipino icon agrees to Olympic-style drug tests.

"As long as they're not getting a large amount of blood, I am willing to give out blood as close to two weeks before the fight," said Pacquiao, 31.

Pacquiao has also reportedly said that he will provide blood and urine samples immediately upon the conclusion of the fight.

Mayweather clearly has an utter obsession with maintaining his unblemished mark, and many onlookers believe this is a ploy to avoid scrapping Pacquiao.

Mayweather and Pacquiao could purportedly generate in excess of $25 million apiece if they meet this autumn.

If they can't come to an agreement, other future potential Pacquiao opponents include Juan Manuel Marquez (50-5-1, 37 KOs) and scumbag pugilist Antonio Margarito (38-6, 27 KOs).

Pacquiao meeting either Marquez or Margarito would be a sham and further disgrace the disgraceful sport of boxing.

Granted, Mayweather is absolutely an unlikable, arrogant, living hemorrhoid.

Nevertheless, Pacquiao has more tattoos that Jesse James' floozy.

So, it's hard to understand his proclamation that he has a fear of needles.

Furthermore, it is inaccurate and naive for Pacquiao to claim a blood test (not a blood donation, mind you) would weaken him prior to a matchup.

As a political figure and worldwide hero to many, Pacquiao needs to agree to Mayweather's demands.

"How can you turn down $25 million?" asked Brad Sherwood, 29, a personal trainer at Gold's Gym Medford. "Something's not right."

Pacquiao is an all-time great pugilist and his skills, heart, and work ethic can't be questioned.

Still, it's difficult to envision that Pacquiao would have outclassed "Sugar" Shane Mosley (46-6, 39 KOs) as thoroughly as Mayweather did earlier this month.

For health purposes alone, Pacquiao should have strictly focused on boxing until he was ready to retire his gloves.

Obviously, he didn't, and now he's something of an overwhelmed, political bigwig.

However, for monetary reasons, honor, and sportsmanship, Pacquiao needs to relent, and let fans discover if he is better than Mayweather.

If Pacquiao doesn't, Mayweather will defeat him by a pathetic default.