Manny Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum has hit back in the blood-testing row which is threatening to halt the proposed fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Golden Boy Promotions' Richard Schaefer, who represents Mayweather, had said on Tuesday that the fight was "in jeopardy" because Pacquiao had refused to undertake a blood test in the days leading up to the fight, which had been pencilled in for March 13.

But Arum issued a riposte on Wednesday, stressing his fighter is clean and that the real reason for Mayweather's camp making the blood demands was to "level the fight" up.

"Let's be very clear on the real issues we differ on," said Arum. "It's not about being tested. Manny is onboard with that since it's such a major concern of Floyd Mayweather Jr.

"It's about who does the testing and the scheduling of the procedures. Manny will submit to as many random urine tests requested. Regarding the blood tests, he will subject himself to three tests; one given in January during the week the fight is formally announced, one 30 days from the fight, no later than February 13, and the final one immediately following the fight, in Manny's locker room."

Pacquiao's camp feel urine tests alone would show substances such as steroids, while his trainer Freddie Roach has said he does not want Pacquiao's preparations for the fight being disrupted by blood being taken from him in the days prior to the fight.

Roach told Sky Sports: "It's absurd that this is the first time in the history of boxing he (Mayweather) wants to hire his own private company to do drug testing.

"He's looking for a back door out, I never thought he wanted to fight Manny in the first place and now he's got his way out, but if he wants to fight us we're definitely ready and we'll go by any sanctioning body rule there is.

"We have no problem with any drug testing in the world but I'm not going to have my fighter give blood a week out, that's my decision because I know how it affects him mentally when he gives blood."

Arum added: "The major issue related to the testing rests with which independent agency will administer these tests. The United States Anti Doping Agency (USADA) cannot do it because they will not amend its procedures to accommodate the blood testing schedule we have outlined. USADA, under its guidelines, would have the right to administer random blood tests as many times as they want up to weigh-in day and that is ludicrous.

"Our suggestion is to utilise any of the independent agencies that work with the National Football League, the National Basketball Association or Major League Baseball, since they administer drug testing for their professional athletes.

"If Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions are sincere in creating 'a level playing field', as they stated in their release, our recommendations should put their minds at ease.

"If not, one has to wonder if their motives are more about levelling the fight."