December 27th, 2009 | by Felix Strunk
Like a game of chess, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather have been making strategic moves throughout the negotiation process to put themselves in the best possible position for their showdown on March 13. Every detail discussed was like a coordinated move and, thus far, Pacquiao has maneuvered brilliantly around the board.
When it came to the gloves, Mayweather wanted the 10-ounce pillows. Pacquiao wanted the 8-ounce puncher’s delight. The final verdict, 8-ounce gloves, scored a piece for Manny as rook took pawn!
When it came to the weight, Mayweather wanted the heavier 154-pound division. Pacquiao wanted to defend his newly acquired 147-pound title. The final verdict, 147 pounds, scored another piece for Manny as bishop took rook!
With Mayweather quickly down to his final few pieces on the board, he tried a desparate move to try to back Pacquiao into a corner. Mayweather demanded that Pacquiao take an unrequired blood test, giving the impression that his recent success might be due to some type of performance-enhancing drug. Pacquiao calmly countered, stated his success was due to his hard work and dedication and then began the process of filing a defamation lawsuit. Another piece picked up by Pacquiao as knight took bishop!
Now, Pacquiao is going in for the attack. His promoter, Bob Arum, has given Mayweather until Tuesday to agree to their final terms for a bout under the jurisdiction of the standard Nevada State Athletic Commission rules. Take it or leave it are Maweather’s only options. Pacquiao picks up another piece when his queen takes knight and puts Mayweather in check.
With the clocking now ticking, it’s Mayweather’s move, but there aren’t very many moves left to make.
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