May 05--Manny Pacquiao and his promoter issued a joint statement trying to clarify the shoulder injury he fought with in his unanimous-decision loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. on Saturday.
Repeating what has been reported, that Pacquiao suffered a right shoulder injury while sparring, the eight-paragraph news release detailed that he was treated at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles.
"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 Jr.," according to the statement.
Pacquiao's advisors notified the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency of the injury, according to the statement, and detailed the "treatments being proposed," including a possible injection of the anti-inflammatory Toradol, a non-steroidal prescription medication.
"Manny continued to train, and his shoulder improved, though not to 100%," the statement read. "This is boxing, injuries happen, and Manny is a warrior."
He opted to proceed with the fight, anticipating the pre-fight treatment that would include pre-injection use of lidocaine.
"That specific treatment had been approved by USADA in writing at least five days before the fight," according to the statement.
Pacquiao attorney David Marroso said USADA informed the camp that Toradol did not require a Therapeutic Use Exemption to be used in the in-competition period.
The medications were listed on a pre-fight medical form, but Pacquiao's team checked "no" on a box asking whether the fighter had suffered a shoulder injury.
On Monday, Nevada State Athletic Commission Chairman Francisco Aguilar told The Times that it was never told of the treatment plans -- by USADA or the Pacquiao camp.
So when Pacquiao's team, with two doctors in his dressing room, prepared for the injection, the commission stopped it.
Aguilar said he not only lacked proof that Pacquiao was injured, he was uncomfortable sending an injured fighter into the ring with a medication that would numb the pain and perhaps make the injury worse. Aguilar said he even ordered Pacquiao to throw punches with his right hand in warmups.
If Pacquiao had shown too much pain, Aguilar said, he was empowered to postpone the fight on the spot.
The Pacquiao statement read, "This was disappointing ... since [we] had disclosed the injury and treatment to USADA ... and Manny listed the medication on his pre-fight medical form.
"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."
The southpaw Pacquiao told The Times on Sunday that he re-aggravated the injury while winning the fourth round, and was too hurt to do little more than hope for a knockout possibility to open up, in which he could throw his left hand.
"As Manny has said multiple times, he makes no excuses," the statement read. "Manny gave it his best."
Marroso told The Times the misunderstanding was a mass "miscommunication."
"Everyone's looking to point a finger, it seems, but in no way did Manny or his team try to deceive or do anything other but be completely transparent," Marroso said.
The USADA did not immediately respond to a Times interview request.
