Mayweather again urges Pacquiao to obey rules

FLOYD MAYWEATHER Jr. yesterday re-iterated his appeal to Manny Pacquiao to adhere to drug testing rules ahead of any possible showdown between the two.

The undefeated six-time champion was in New York yesterday to unveil his challenge of WBC Welterweight champion ‘Vicious’ Victor Ortiz at the MGM Grand in Mayweather’s adopted hometown of Las Vegas on Saturday September 17.

The fight marks the Michigan-born 34-year-old’s return to the ring a year after he defeated Shane Mosley in May, 2010. It will also re-ignite hopes of a showdown with Pacquiao, a contest that is badly needed by the sport and its fans.

“Floyd Mayweather don’t duck or dodge anyone. Do I want the Pacquiao fight? Absolutely,” Mayweather told a packed Hudson Theatre near Times Square. “If that’s what the fans want, that’s what I’m going to give. But I can’t overlook Victor Ortiz, he’s earned the right. I never disrespected Manny Pacquiao. He was in the sport before me,” he also said before later adding, “It’s not just Pacquiao. It’s sports, period. If you look at the Olympics, everybody’s cheating. I never said Manny Pacquiao was cheating. Me and every opponent I face must take the test.”

Mayweather, with 41 wins and 25 knockouts, is 10 years older than his opponent who has nonetheless managed to build up an impressive record in a relatively short space of time (29-2 with 22 Knockouts and two draws), not to mention his stepping up to Welterweight in April to secure the WBC title against Andre Berto.

“I have always said that I would be the first fighter to beat Floyd Mayweather,” said Ortiz.

“And now that I have my chance, and to do it on a weekend that celebrates the independence of the Mexican people, is an amazing blessing for me. I have worked so hard to become a champion and to show the world that I am the best. I am not going to let anyone take that away from me.”