Screengrab from Top Rank twitter originally posted May 3, 2015.
Shortly after announcing that people’s champ Manny Pacquiao will undergo surgery for a torn rotator cuff, the Filipino boxer and Top Rank Promotions released a joint statement on the circumstances surrounding the injury.
Pacquiao has said the injury on his right shoulder affected his performance during his fight with American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. last May 3, Philippine time.
Pacquiao and Top Rank said that despite obtaining an approval from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to administer medications for his injury, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) stopped the treatment.
READ: Pacquiao cries conspiracy
They appealed the decision of the NSAC an hour before the fight but their appeal was denied.
Pacquiao’s camp said that despite the injury, the Filipino opted to fight and “did his best” in the ring.
Pacquiao’s right shoulder tear was described by renowned surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache as “significant” and that he would need nine to 12 months to recuperate following his surgery.
READ: Pacquiao to undergo surgery for injured shoulder
Mayweather won the “Fight of the Century” through an unanimous decision and maintained his spotless professional record. AJH/CB
Following is the full statement of Pacquiao and Top Rank:
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.
Manny’s advisors notified the United States Anti-Doping Agency (“USADA”) of the shoulder injury and the treatments being proposed by the doctors during training and on fight night. USADA spoke to Manny’s doctors twice, investigated, and confirmed in writing that the proposed treatments, if used, were completely allowed. The medication approved for fight night was a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (Toradol).
Manny continued to train and his shoulder improved, though not 100%. This is boxing, injuries happen, and Manny is a warrior. Again, in consultation with his doctors, promoter and advisors, Manny decided to proceed with the fight anticipating that he could receive his pre-fight treatment.
That specific treatment had been approved by USADA in writing at least 5 days before the fight.
On his pre-fight medical form filled out earlier in the week, Manny’s advisors listed the medications that Manny used in training and the medications that might be used on 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.
This was disappointing to Team Pacquiao since they had disclosed the injury and treatment to USADA, USADA approved the treatments, and Manny had listed the medication on his pre-fight medical form.
Also, USADA had provided a copy of its contract with the fighters to the Commission. An hour before the fight, Manny’s advisors asked the Commission to reconsider and the director of USADA advised the Commission that USADA had approved the fight-night treatment, but the Commission denied the request.
With the advice of his doctors, Manny still decided to proceed with the fight. His shoulder wasn’t perfect but it had improved in training camp.
However, as Manny has said multiple times, he makes no excuses. Manny gave it his best.
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