Floyd Mayweather Jr.
The much anticipated fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, the richest in the sport’s tournament in history, is finally set for May 2nd at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the two top names in boxing over the past decade will square off in the ring.
At a red carpet news conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. basked in the hype—not that they need it.
“This is one of the most important events of our time,” was the popular mantra during Wednesday’s media circus—heard from reporters to match promoters, the fighters’ entourages and the fighters themselves.
Demand is so great for this fight that the fighters won’t need to do the traditional multicity press tour beforehand. Just this: a news conference to end all news conferences.
Tickets to the fight will range from $1,500 to $7,500, according to Leonard Ellerbe, chief executive of Mayweather Promotions; an announcement about the on-sale date will go out in the coming days. The pay-per-view tag hasn’t been set, but the general consensus is it could go well over $99—which would be the highest price ever for such an event.
Fans are unlikely even to blink an eye—they’re too busy planning their parties.
Mayweather, who is known to trash-talk, was calm and cordial on Wednesday. “It is always good to see the best fight the best—that’s what’s so intriguing about this matchup,” he said.
Pacquiao said the fight was “important” and “we don’t want to leave a question mark in the minds of the fans of boxing.”
Pacquiao apparently has been practicing for just this, arriving in Los Angeles late last month to train with some particularly chatty sparing partners.
Manny Pacquiao
Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach said Wednesday that he has recruited a sparring partner from Mayweather’s camp to practice with Pacquiao at his Los Angeles gym. “He asked me not to say his name…or he’ll never be allowed in that gym again,” Roach said.
Years in the making, the matchup had hit snags. If the fighters couldn’t come to terms on money or blood testing, the cable networks couldn’t iron out a way to broadcast it.
In January, the two fighters had a chance meeting courtside at a Miami Heat game. It was the first time the two came face to face, but it would lead to one of the most anticipated matchups in modern boxing. They exchanged phone numbers, and settled the terms of a fight shortly thereafter.
That included a 60/40 split of the purse money, random drug testing and even an agreement about the type of gloves they’ll wear during the fight.
“I know the fans can’t wait for this fight to happen,” Mayweather said. “I think the timing is right, the timing is now.”
But this fight for the ages is also one for the aged. With both fighters nearing 40—Mayweather is 38 years old, Pacquiao 36—there is talk that the bout could be disappointing, the stars presumably past their prime.
Asked if he was feeling his 38 years, Mayweather said, “We’ll just have to see.”
So far, his training has been going well, Mayweather said. “We’re pushing ourselves. We’re not where we want to be exactly right now but eventually we’ll get where we want to be.”
The 47-0 Mayweather is the favorite, but early wagering in Las Vegas is heavy on Pacquiao. Pacquiao (57-5-2) lost two fights in 2012, including a knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez, whom Mayweather beat with ease in 2009. Still, Pacquiao comes to this fight fresh off three straight victories—and Mayweather is the older of the two.
Some speculate that Mayweather has been protecting his undefeated badge by avoiding tougher matchups. This battle, then, should directly answer those critics.
Pacquiao said he likes being the underdog. “This time around it gives me more motivation, determination, to focus on the fight and to prove something,” he said.
Roach spoke up at that point, adding: “I remember the last time you were underdog—I made a lot of money.” According to Oddsshark.com, Pacquiao was last an underdog in 2008 against Oscar de la Hoya, whom he defeated.
Watch Iron Mike Tyson’s take on the big fight
