Rachel Nichols explains ban from Mayweather vs Pacuiqao fight

Reporter Rachel Nichols explains the situation regarding her ban from the Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao ban.

Reports started swirling this morning about Rachel Nichols and Michelle Beadle being banned from covering the Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao fight. That was in part because they tweeted out themselves that they had been denied credentials to the event.

For those who don’t remember, Rachel Nichols interviewed Mayweather back in September and grilled him over his domestic violence past.

There were contradictory reports about what exactly went down, whether they did or didn’t have credentials, all leading to a lot of confusion.

So Nichols tried to clarify what was going on and provide a timeline that helped clear up the confusing details.

“Have had a bunch of folks asking questions about the Mayweather issue,” Nichols wrote on Twitter. “Here’s what happened: After asking tough questions of Floyd Mayweather on my program, I was not offered press credentials to cover tonight’s fight. In an email dated April 23, I was told I would only be credentialed for the run-up events through the week, but in bold, italic letters the email stated ‘you do not have any access Saturday to any services or events.’

“A CNN producer revisited the issue with the Mayweather camp on April 29, confirming to Mayweather’s publicist that I would be in Las Vegas, and the publicist replied that I would still be denied a fight night credential. I was told the same thing when I arrived at the credential office in person on May 1, by two separate officials, in front of several other people.

“It doesn’t surprise me that now, after facing significant backlash, the Mayweather camp has reversed its position. But despite this, and other outside parties generously offering me their seats, I will not attend the fight. I will also not let fear of retaliation prevent me from asking the tough questions the public deserves answers to in the future.”

If you got credentials at the last minute, why not go anyways and ask the tough question again if you can.

More from Boxing

Home/Boxing