Floyd Mayweather Vs. Manny Pacquiao Confirmed: They Slug It Out May 2
Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao have done it.
The fight that many thought would never happen is official, and it’s happening May 2 in what is sure to be the highest grossing boxing match of all time.
Mayweather announced that the deal was done on Friday (Feb. 20), and that the two would be fighting at welterweight from the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas.
“I am very happy that Floyd Mayweather and I can give the fans the fight they have wanted for so many years,” said Pacquiao after signing the contract on Thursday.
“They have waited long enough and they deserve it. It is an honor to be part of this historic event. 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.”
Yahoo! reports that the bout is expected to capture numerous records, “including purse size, live paid gate, and pay-per-view sales.”
Cost to consumers has yet to be determined, and won’t be until all the distribution deals are in place. However, a previous report from the Inquisitr noted that the price tag could be as much as $110.
While that probably wouldn’t hurt gross, it could be interesting to see if fight fans are willing to pay almost twice the cost of a normal pay-per-view during the summer movie season.
Then again, the economy has turned around, and what’s to stop you and some buddies from going in on it? That’s likely what Mayweather and Pacquiao’s camps are anticipating.
Floyd Mayweather is expected to earn around $120 million for the fight, taking 60 percent of the revenues. Manny Pacquiao could walk away with $80 million.
The only downside for some fans is that the fight should have happened several years ago, and it’s questionable whether Mayweather will be getting Pacquiao in his prime.
(The Filipino superstar was knocked out in December, 2012, by longtime rival Juan Manuel Marquez, but has since rebounded with three unanimous decision victories over Brandon Rios, Timothy Bradley, and Chris Algieri.)
Mayweather remains unbeaten, but Pacquiao doesn’t seem concerned, tweeting this Friday.
I can easily beat @FloydMayweather, I believe that.
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) January 20, 2015
Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer, got the trash talk started as well.
“Floyd should enjoy being the A-side while he can,” the legendary cornerman said.
“Because on May 2, Manny is going to put him on his backside.”
What do you think, readers? Will Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao take this one, and for bonus points: decision or knockout? And would you pay over $100 for this?
