Is Arum to blame for the holdup between Mayweather and Pacquiao?

Boxing fans want to see it.

Manny Pacquiao wants to see it.

Promoter Bob Arum definitely wants to see it.

So what’s stopping Floyd Mayweather Jr. from putting his John Hancock down on a contract in order to sign off on the superfight between him and Pacquiao later this year?

Over the weekend, Mayweather let Arum’s deadline to sign a contract that would ensure a fight with Pacquiao pass without saying a word. One day later, Mayweather said he was in no rush to sign off on a deal.

“I’m not really thinking about boxing right now,” Mayweather said. “I’m just relaxing. I fought about 60 days ago, so I’m just enjoying myself, enjoying life, enjoying my family and enjoying my vacation.”

One would think that someone with the nickname “Money Mayweather” would sign a contract that guaranteed him over $50 million to fight. And seeing as how his current record is a perfect 41-0, I highly doubt Mayweather is scared to get in the ring against anyone.

So then what’s the snag?

You can cross drug testing off the list. After he jumped through seven weight classes and speculation started to grow that he could be using performance-enhancing drugs, Mayweather’s camp demanded that Pacquiao agree to random drug testing conducted by the United States Anti-Doping Agency. Pacquiao’s camp refused at first, citing that they would only submit to scheduled testing, but Arum told Stephen A. Smith on FOX Sports Radio on Monday that Pacquiao has now agreed to random testing.

LAS VEGAS - MAY 01: Floyd Mayweather Jr. reacts after defeating Shane Mosley by unanimous decision after the welterweight fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 1, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

With that in mind, there must be another reason Mayweather has yet to sign on the dotted line. Seeing as how he made a ton of money in the Shane Mosley fight, there’s a possibility that Mayweather doesn’t need or want to box again this year. He may decide that he wants to postpone any duel with Pacquiao until next year, thus affording him more time to rest and prepare.

But again, Mayweather is a money hound and chances are he wouldn’t leave $50 million on the table, especially if it’s guaranteed. Thus, the biggest issue remaining is his ongoing feud with Arum.

For those unaware, Arum promoted Mayweather from 1996-2006. But Mayweather accused Arum of both underpaying and undermakereting him while also exploiting his talents and manipulating officials. Arum responded by saying the fighter “cannot cope with the possibility of losing” and even called him a “psychological coward.”

So this is where we currently stand. It appears that Mayweather wants Pacquiao, but only on his terms, which means no Arum. He doesn’t want the promoter to make another dime off his talents, but in the end, boxing will still likely get its super fight because there’s just too much money to be lost if there isn’t one.

Or at least, let’s hope there’s a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight. Unless you’re fine with seeing Pacquiao pound Miguel Cotto again, that is.

Follow the Scores Report editors on Twitter @clevelandteams and @bullzeyedotcom.

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