Mayweather vs Pacquaio: “The Fight of the Century”

Mayweather vs  Pacquaio: “The Fight of the Century”

Dubbed as “The Fight of the Century”, the much awaited MayPac fight is finally going to happen this Saturday, May 2 at the Las Vegas MGM Grand Garden Arena. 

Considered also as one of the richest bouts in world boxing history, the tickets for the big event was sold out in just a matter of seconds, nine days before the much anticipated fight. The most expensive ring side seats reached up to $ 77,500 while the general admission tickets were pegged at $ 4,500.

But before watching the much awaited fight, here are some of the things that you need to know about the May-Pac fight:

Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr.
• 38 years old
• 47 – 0 with 26 KOs
• Height: 5 ft 8”
• Reach: 72”
• With 24 world title fights
• Ranked by Forbes as the world’s highest paid athlete last year at $ 105 million.
• Trained by his father, Floyd Mayweather Sr. with Rafael Garcia and Roger Mayweather.

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao
• 36 years old
• 57 – 5 – 2 with 36 KOs
• Height: 5 ft 6”
• Reach: 67”
• With 19 world title fights
• A Congressman in the Philippines
• Trained by Freddie Roach with Justine Fortune and Buboy Fernandez.

Record Fight

Aside from the record selling tickets in general sales, the May-Pac fight is also expected to double the prior record when it comes to pay-per-view revenues. Other revenue sources like sponsorship and merchandise, closed-circuit TV and international broadcast sales are also expected to bring in a lot of returns. The fighters are guaranteed at least $ 150 million to be divided among themselves.

Conditions

Before agreeing to the fight, Mayweather imposed a number of conditions. 

First, the revenue will be divided in a 60-40 share in his favor. 

Second, both of the fighters will have to undergo a random blood and urine drug testing by the US Anti Doping Agency. If any of the fighters would turn out positive, the fight will be cancelled and a 4 year-ban will be imposed. It can be recalled that Mayweather Sr.’s comments that Pacquiao uses steroids lead to a defamation suit filed by Pacquiao’s camp against the Mayweather camp. 

Third, if Mayweather losses, he is entitle to a rematch. But if it’s Pacquiao who will lose, he won’t be entitled to one.

What’s at stake?

Aside from the undefeated title and status of Mayweather, at stake are also his WBC Welterweight and WBA Super Welterweight titles. Pacquaio’s WBO Welterweight crown is also on the line. 

The winning fighter will receive a newly created belt which is valued at $ 1 million. The belt features the faces of Mayweather and Pacquiao as well as Muhammad Ali and José Sulaimán’s. 

Fight Details

Both fighters has already arrived at Las Vegas, however they had separate entrances. Mayweather arrived at the MGM Grand while Pacquiao made his own entrance at the Mandalay Bay Hotel, his Las Vegas residence. Mayweather was greeted by a band and the loud scream of his fans. While Pacquaio received a warm Filipino welcome and was caught saying to his fans: “"Don't get nervous. I'm the one fighting, so relax." Though the fighters have separate entrances, they’ll meet face to face again for Wednesday’s press conference at 4:00 pm and Friday’s weigh-in at 3:00 pm.

As to the fight on Saturday night, the gates will be opened at around 2:00 pm local time. But the main event is expected to begin only at around 11:00 pm. 

The referee for the actual fight is Kenny Bayless, known for his “What I say you must obey” phrase. The jury will be composed of Burt A. Celements, Dave Moretti and Glenn Feldman, renowned judges in their own right. 

The lead promoter in charge of the fight and its other events is Mayweather Promotions. Pacquiao’s promoter, Top Rank, though has more experience, has to defer and make compromises just to make the fight happen.
Final Words

With the much awaited fight fast approaching, both fighters have been quoted to say a few words on the fight of the century.

Mayweather: “I’ve always got the remedy to solve the problem and come out on top. I don’t know if he can make adjustments. I’ve always been able to make adjustments . . . I’ve never wanted to win a fight so bad in my life.”

Pacquiao: “"I'm very excited and my confidence is 100 per cent. Any time I am the underdog, I like that. It means my killer instinct and focus is fully there. This is the moment I believe he will experience his first loss."

As to who will emerge victorious and claim the title of the best boxer of this generation, boxing fans will have to wait for Saturday night’s results.

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