AFTER five years in the making, the long-awaited fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. will finally come to fruition.
On May 2, the two boxing sensations will meet for a showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas that is expected to make millions.
“It is an honor to be part of this historic event,” Pacquiao said, according to the Associated Press. “I dedicate this fight to all the fans who willed this fight to happen and, as always, to bring glory to the Philippines and my fellow Filipinos around the world.”
The fight is expected to top every financial record ever, with Mayweather potentially earning $120 million or more and Pacquiao likely to take home about $80 million. Promoter Bob Arum, who has promoted some of the biggest fights in history, said this would be a larger event than previous ones.
“This boxing match will have the interest in the US of a Super Bowl,” Arum said. “I think it will set all kinds of pay-per-view records and gate records. It Both fighters set aside previous differences, including drug testing and television rights, to reach an agreement. Other stipulations include Mayweather’s right to announce the fight. He also won the right to decide who enters the right first, what gloves will be used and a 60-40 split of the earnings, among other issues.
“I promised the fans we would get this done and we did,” Mayweather said, according to the news agency.
The 38-year-old boxer, who holds an undefeated record, wants to stake his claim as one of the greatest fighters and eliminate doubts about his legacy by challenging Pacquiao.
“Floyd should enjoy being the A-Side while he can because on May 2 Manny is going to put him on his backside,” said Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer.
A knockout isn’t expected from the fight, as Pacquaio gave his last big blow in 2009 during the 12th round of his match against Miguel Cotto. Mayweather has only stopped one fighter – Victor Ortiz – in the last eight years.
Most boxing observers say both fighters have lost some of their skills, although Mayweather remains a good defensive fighter and Pacquiao showed in his match against Chris Algieri in November last year that he maintains a quickness for which he has become known.
The May 2 fight will be televised jointly between Showtime and HBO.
(With reports from Associated Press)
(www.asianjournal.com)
(LA Weekend February 21-24, 2015 Sec. A pg.1)
