Boxing News 2015: Manny Pacquiao Admits To Fighting Hurt Against Floyd Mayweather Jr., Was Denied Treatment By NSAC For Shoulder Injury

The supposed “Fight of the Century” turned out to be a dud for most boxing observers and fight fans can now point to a single factor which might have played a major role in the disappointing outcome of the fight held last Saturday at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Manny Pacquiao, via an official statement, admitted that he fought with an injured right shoulder against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the fight that is projected to have over $400 million in total revenue, which includes sales from the live gates tickets and pay-per-view sales.

“During training, Manny Pacquiao suffered a right shoulder injury. Manny went to see world-class doctors, partners in the prestigious Kerlan Jobe Orthopedic Clinic, who performed tests and, in consultation with Manny, his promoter, and his advisors, concluded that with short rest, treatments, and close monitoring, Manny could train and, on May 2, step into the ring against Floyd Mayweather,” the statement released on Tuesday said.

It added that the Pacquiao camp notified the United States Anti-Doping Agency, or USADA about the shoulder injury and the treatments needed and that the USADA approved and allowed the medication used for the said injury. Mayweather Jr. won via a 12-round unanimous decision with judges’ scores of 118-110, 116-112 and 116-112. Boxing critics lauded Mayweather Jr. for his clinical performance but majority of the boxing fans, most of whom coughed up about $100 for a pay-per-view buy, felt short-changed with the lack of action from both Mayweather Jr. and Pacquiao on top of the squared ring.

The statement also mentioned that because USADA approved the said treatment/medication, Pacquiao decided to push through with the fight after consultation with team doctors, promoter and advisors. However, while the USADA approved the medication, the Nevada State Athletic Commission, or NCSAC stopped the treatment during fight night.

“A few hours before he was expected to step in the ring, when Manny’s doctors began the process, the Nevada Commission stopped the treatment because it said it was unaware of Manny’s shoulder injury,” the statement continued. The Pacquiao statement admitted that they were disappointed with the Nevada Commission decision because the USADA already pre-approved the said treatment and medication.

Pacquiao and his team also made an appeal to the Nevada Athletic Commission but were denied about an hour before the fight against Mayweather Jr.

“Every fighter is given a (prefight) medical form to fill out,” Nevada Athletic Commission chairman Francisco Aguilar said to the Las Vegas Review Journal on Sunday. “He disclosed the medications, but he didn’t disclose any injury. That’s why we denied his request.”

Pacquiao is known for his punching power and volume number of punches thrown in past fights but was only able to throw 429 punches in the fight against Mayweather Jr, who threw a total 436 punches. Pacquiao landed only 81 punches while Mayweather Jr. was successful in 148 punches.

Mayweather Jr. turned in a vintage performance with emphasis on defence and controlling the pace of the fight against Pacquiao. However, with the recent news on Pacquiao’s shoulder injury—and non-treatment—the question begs if the outcome would have been different, or at least, the fight would have been more exciting if Pacquiao had a healthy shoulder or was allowed treatment for the injury.

To contact author of this article, email j.quizon@IBTimes.com.au.