Pacquiao camp surprised: Mayweather rejects $5M fine

MANILA, Philippines - Floyd Mayweather Jr. is not entering into an agreement with Manny Pacquiao regarding a $5 million penalty on either fighter that fails the drug test.

Pacquiao’s chief adviser, Mike Koncz, said he’s surprised with the decision of the Mayweather camp to turn down their suggestion.

“I’m somewhat surprised,” Koncz told The STAR yesterday.

Mayweather, he continued, had thrown various accusations against Pacquiao in the past regarding the use of illegal performance enhancers.

The American also said many times before he wants to clean up the sport and that he wants to even the playing field.

“He said he wants to clean up the sport of boxing. So, what’s the reason for not signing? I don’t know,” Koncz said.

Pacquiao raised the idea of the $5 million fine days before the biggest and richest fight in boxing history was announced exactly a month ago.

He wanted to assure everybody that he’s clean and wants the other camp to do the same.

The Los Angeles Times reported yesterday that Mayweather’s lawyer had contacted Pacquiao’s attorney regarding their refusal to enter into such agreement.

The Mayweather camp said since both sides have agreed to submit to random testing by the US Anti-Doping Agency there’s no need for extra clause.

Pacquiao’s suggestion that the dirty fighter be fined $5 million is not stipulated in the fight contract which the two boxers signed.

“It’s an independent issue that we brought to their attention before we signed the contract,” Koncz explained.

“Still, I’m surprised that they couldn’t agree to it. It’s reasonable and simple,” he said on the phone.

Both Pacquiao and Mayweather had done random tests under USADA the past week and will continue to do so until immediately after the fight.

If any fighter tests positive for any illegal substance, USADA can impose a four-year ban from the sport on the boxer.

Leonard Ellerbe, who is Mayweather’s adviser, told the LA Times that the drug testing procedure had been “rigorously negotiated for weeks on behalf of Manny by (his promoter) Top Rank and Mayweather Promotions, which is well documented in the media.”

Ellerbe blamed Koncz because “He obviously didn’t read the agreement before he had his client sign the agreement.”

Koncz said, “That’s a frivolous argument that I didn’t read the contract.”

Notes: Manny Pacquiao’s family, wife Jinkee and their five kids, are on their way to Los Angeles to be with the Filipino boxing superstar. Pacquiao said he can’t wait to see his family, especially their youngest son, Israel, who’s barely learning how to talk. “He can say ‘Da-da’ already,” Pacquiao told GMA News. Once they get to LA, the Pacquiaos will proceed to their new home in Beverly Hills. Jinkee is happy with the new purchase and can’t wait to step into their $12 million mansion, that used to belong to Jennifer Lopez. Pacquiao said a relative had done the shopping for what’s needed in their new home, from bedsheets to a handful TV sets. He said he wanted to surprise his wife and kids with their new home but couldn’t keep it as a secret because “the media is always around.” Jinkee recently spoke to The STAR, saying she’s very happy that Pacquiao got the fight he always wanted. “I’m very happy for him. I know he wants this fight. He waited for years for this fight,” she said. Asked for a prediction, Jinkee declined. “Huwag na lang (I’d rather not). But I’m confident because I know that he will do his best,” she said.