WBO: No blood test for fight

THE World Boxing Organization will not require blood testing for welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao and challenger Joshua Clottey before their March 13 title clash at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
A report carried by Examiner.com quoted WBO president Francisco "Paco" Valcartcel as saying: "If Texas state law required blood testing, then we would go along with it. I understand their only blood test is for licensing and its purpose is screening Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
"Both fighters will be subject to our immediate post-fight urine testing as per usual with a WBO title match."
Valcarcel said he is keen on the fight and the dazzling venue, according to the website.
"It’s a great start for the New Year. Clottey is very tough but a little bit slow. I think it’s a solid fight. And fighting in the new stadium should be exciting," he was quoted as saying.
Pacquiao, meanwhile, is set to leave for the United States on Sunday to begin training. He will leave with Michael Koncz, trainer Nonoy Neri, lawyer Jing Gacal and assistant cook Haplas Fernandez, according to Philboxing.com.
Assistant trainer buboy Fernandez is already at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles with chief trainer Freddie Roach.
Pacquiao is set to attend a press conference hyping the fight in New York on Wednesday before going to Los Angeles to train for at least seven weeks.

Source: malaya.com.ph