I don't think people realise how big a part ego's play in all this. If Pacquiao concedes any ground in this and goes along with Mayweather's requests, he automatically concedes that Mayweather is the man. Furthermore Pacquiao has complied with the various testing policies of the sport's governing bodies.

With the weight gain, what he has achieved isn't really that bizarre. Here are his Fight Night weights over the last 3-4 years...

Nov 06





Oct 07





March 08





June 08





December 08





May 09






November 09 (was reported 148lb come fight night)





March 10 (was reported 149lb come fight night)







Basically, it's not that big of a deal. It could very easily have been achieved by any athlete who increases his nutritonal intake. The other thing people talk about is the fact that he's carried his power up. But even when you look at that, he actually is pretty much the same. Cotto and Hatton were both hurt/knocked out because they were moving forwards at the pointof impact. Diaz was ko'd after taking an absolute pummelling. Oscar and Clottey weren't really hurt because they were constantly on the back foot, both in survival mode. Pacquiao's power comes from his speed and accuracy. Mayweather has never been a knockout puncher but he ko'd Hatton because Hatton walked onto the shot. If Margarito walks onto a few, he might find himself on his arse. That's just how getting punched in the face works.