Manny Pacquiao: Filipino's Camp Should Not Be Blamed for Nixing Mayweather Fight

Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s camp has come out and blasted Manny Pacquiao and promoter Top Rank, claiming the boxing great isn’t interested in a superfight at this time.

But look who’s talking.

Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer told ESPN.com on Monday that Mayweather and Co. had received an email from retired federal judge Daniel Weinstein. The email stated that Pacquiao’s camp was pursuing a fourth fight against Juan Manuel Marquez, and was not interested in a fight with Mayweather right now.

Said Leonard Ellerbe, one of Mayweather's advisers, via ESPN:

"

"In my opinion, you have three cowards—Bob Arum, (Pacquiao trainer) Freddie Roach and Manny Pacquiao. Now we all know the truth once and for all why this fight hasn't been made. It should be clear to everyone that they don't care what the fans want, especially when Floyd is ready, willing and able to fight Manny Pacquiao now.”

"

Key words: “ready, willing and able to fight Manny Pacquiao now.”

Before this point, it appeared to me that all Mayweather had was, “Take the tests.” When that was no longer an obstacle, his camp shied away.

Now that they’ve seen Pacquiao struggle to a majority decision against Marquez (whom some believed should have won that fight), all of a sudden Mayweather’s camp wants to fight in what may be Pacquiao’s weakest point.

If it’s true that Pacquiao isn’t interested in a fight with Mayweather, I don’t blame him. He’s in the same position as Mayweather was, concerned and uncertain of the risk.

The one word that comes to my mind at this point is “unfortunate.”

It’s unfortunate that Mayweather’s camp apparently wasn’t interested earlier, and it’s unfortunate that Pacquiao’s camp isn’t interested now.

Given the loser of the superfight would likely be widely considered “No. 2" to end his career, both camps are being so cautious and opportunistic that it shines right through to the other side.

There is no middle ground between Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions. No side is willing to compromise, and it could lead to one of the greatest letdowns in boxing history.