Arum is calling it a ‘no contest’

MANILA, Philippines - Top Rank president Bob Arum also called on the authorities, in this case the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), to declare the May 2 clash between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. a “no contest”.

“I think the commission should call it a no contest,” said Arum.

The 83-year-old boxing promoter returned a call yesterday morning and told The STAR he was outraged by what appeared to be a violation committed by Mayweather regarding drug testing.

The SB Nation broke the earth-shaking news three days ago that Mayweather took IV medicine on the eve of the fight to address dehydration. The procedure, not the medicine taken, was supposed to be prohibited because it can mask the presence of PED (performance-enhancing drugs) in one’s system.

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) granted Mayweather a retroactive exemption three weeks after the undefeated American won the richest fight in boxing history.

“I think it’s disgraceful,” said Arum from the Cosmopolitan

Hotel in Las Vegas while a Top Rank fight card was underway. “It’s an outrage. I was outraged when I found about it the

other day. I think it really creates an international incident. I really believe that,” he said.

A USADA source, however, told Agence France Press that since Mayweather was granted a TUE (therapeutic use exemption), the undefeated superstar broke no rule under WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).

“Mr. Mayweather’s use of the IV was not prohibited under the NSAC (Nevada State Athletic Commission) rules at that time and would not be a violation of the NSAC rules today,” a USADA statement said.

Arum thinks otherwise. “It has to be looked into,” he told The STAR. Pacquiao took the news as a form of

vindication that Mayweather, who had accused the Filipino fighter numerous times of being under PED, could be trying to hide something.

“I am vindicated,” said Pacquiao, who also called on the NSAC to take “appropriate action” in order to preserve the commission’s integrity and the sport’s integrity as well.

“I really think so,” Arum said on the other end of the line.

Pacquiao, recovering well from surgery on a torn rotator cuff on his right shoulder, said he deserves a rematch once he fully recovers from the injury.

The May 2 fight at the MGM Grand drew numbers never seen before in any sport, and in the end it was reported that Mayweather took in no less than $180 million.

Pacquiao, the only boxer to win world titles in eight weight classes, earned $120 million, according to reports.

The 36-year-old congressman wants a rematch – on even ground.

But Arum said a rematch may not happen unless Mayweather, scheduled to fight Andre Berto today for what is billed as his last dance, wants it.

“I don’t think anybody has the authority to order an automatic rematch,” said Arum.

“But they can call it a no-contest, and if it’s a no contest, then there’s no winner and there’s no loser,” the legendary promoter said.

Arum was asked if the public might go after Mayweather the way they went after Pacquiao for not disclosing his shoulder injury before the fight.

He doesn’t know.

Class suits have been filed against Pacquiao across the United States after the May 2 clash, and the Filipino camp is dealing with it.

“I don’t know what the public will do (this time),” Arum said.

“But there is outrage,” he added.