I Don't Think Dropped Defamation Suit Means We're Closer To Pacquiao-Mayweather…WOODS

The gang managed to get along in October 2008, before Manny sent Oscar into retirement. This defamation drop sets the table for the two promotional powers to do business again. But…we at TSS don't think it necessarily opens the door a crack more for Pacquiao-Mayweather. Sorry. (Hogan)

So, does this mean we'll get to see Manny Pacquiao fight Floyd Mayweather? That's what was on everyone's mind when they heard the news that Pacquiao and Golden Boy Promotions have patched things up, at least publicly.

Pacquiao settled his defamation lawsuit, which he put into motion in December 2009, against Richard Schaefer and Oscar de la Hoya, on confidential terms.

Schaefer and De la Hoya made the following statement:

“Richard Schaefer and Oscar de la Hoya, on behalf of themselves and Golden Boy Promotions, wish to make it crystal clear that we never intended to claim that Manny Pacquiao has used or is using any performance enhancing drugs, and further state that we do not have any evidence whatsoever of such use.

“Manny Pacquiao is one of the greatest fighters of all time, and we apologize if anyone construed our prior remarks as in any way claiming or even suggesting that Manny uses or has used performance enhancing drugs.”

Oscar had written material on his blog which Manny and his people saw as defamatory. 

“Now I have to wonder about him,” De La Hoya wrote. “I'm saying to myself, 'Wow, those Mosley punches, those Vargas punches and those Pacquiao punches all felt the same.' I'm not saying yes or no (about whether Pacquiao might be taking performance-enhancing drugs). I'm just saying that now people have to wonder, 'Why doesn't he want to do this? Why is it such a big deal?”'

So, this sets the table for us to see a showdown between the two men acknowledged to be the best in the business, correct?
Au contraire…because the Mayweathers, Floyd, Floyd Sr and Uncle Roger, are still in play in this defamation suit.

In September 2009, Floyd Senior got the implication ball rolling. He told the Grand Rapids Press, “I believe he's on some type of supplements. I'm convinced about a lot of (boxers). That's what they're doing right now. Everybody should be checked a little bit more thoroughly. Sometimes people know what's going on but they ain't saying nothing. I don't think he can beat Lil' Floyd with steroids in him or not. He don't have that kind of talent. He don't have that kind of skill, whatever he has in him. I think they're pushing Pacquiao a little too much, even if he's got 'roids in his body. The steroids aren't going to make him no faster. It's going make him relentless and hit strong, but that's it. It ain't going to put no knowledge in your head.”

In November 2009, Floyd Senior pretty much outright accused Pacman of using PEDs, in Sports Illustrated:  “I know Floyd is the best,” said Mayweather Sr. “But when [your opponent] uses something illegal, even the best can get hurt.”

Uncle Roger in January 2010 went with a more comical attack, saying Pacquiao used “A side meth,” a substance he said was used by Filipino soldiers 500 years ago.

Little Floyd has been more cagey, letting his crew, such as pal 50 Cent, take the heat for accusing or implying Pacquiao of using illegal supplements. Three months ago, the rapper Tweeted, “There is 3 ways to beat Steroid Pacquiao he has been knocked out twice and lost a decision I stand behind my country USA all day.”

Bottom line time: until Pacquiao drops his suit against the Mayweather crew, we are not likely to see the two pound for pounders get it on.

Sorry if I'm a wet blanket on your picnic, people.

FOLLOW WOODS ON TWITTER http://twitter.com/#!/Woodsy1069