Over six years in the making, Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao is boxing's last remaining super fight. While not dead, Mayweather and Pacquiao has long been boxing's meal ticket, particularly in America, as other sports move into the forefront.
While the fight may have been better served from a competition perspective in 2009, the fight is still estimated to be the highest drawing PPV of all-time, with some expecting three million buys at $100 each. The WBA, WBC, WBO and Ring Championships being on the line are almost secondary to the sheer draw of the fight at this point.
Both the press conference and the weigh ins showed what looked like a distinct size advantage for Mayweather. While Pacquiao has defeated larger fighters such as Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley, Chris Algeri and Antonio Margarito, none were at the level of what Mayweather will be Saturday night. Mayweather also goes in with a five inch reach advantage
While no one will accuse Mayweather of making unanimously smart decisions outside the ring, his boxing IQ is certainly indicative of his position as an all-time great. Pacquiao is slightly younger at 36 years old to Mayweather's 38, and Pacquiao has 407 rounds under his belt to Mayweather's 363. At this stage in the game, experience is out the window.
Floyd Mayweather is particularly skilled at timing his opponents, while simultaneously disallowing them from creating any sort of rhythm. His footwork is top notch, and has an incredible ability to adapt to any style that is presented to him, even if it isn't what he trained for.
Pacquiao is a southpaw with fantastic footwork and speed, excellent at creating angles with that footwork. He's developed an ability to land left hand shots over a great distance, which is something his opponents have often had difficulty handling.
Both fighters' unique combination of power and speed is special, but neither has been a knockout artist throughout their mid-to-late 30's. The difference that could really play the biggest factor is Mayweather's defense, which is among the best in boxing history.
Perhaps one of the biggest stories of the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao show is the insane amount of money tied up in the fight. Floyd Mayweather is guaranteed $120 million, and likely to earn significantly more when all is said and done. His opponent Pacquiao is guaranteed $80 million. Not bad for a second highest earner, to say the least.
The weigh-in had a price tag of $10, which is typically a free event. The proceeds are all going to be donated to charity, however. The cheapest tickets at the entire venue were $1500, with ringside seats going for $7500. The catch with ringside seats is that people needed a $250,000 line of credit with MGM to purchase them. Mayweather and Pacquiao will get a cut of both the live gate and PPV. The estimated $400 million revenue would be more than 29 countries annual revenue, according to HBO Sports.
Mayweather and Pacquiao are supported by two title fights on the undercard as well. WBO Featherweight Champion Vasyl Lomachecnko will defend againt Gamalier Rodriguez, while Jess Hart and Mike Jimenez will compete for the vacant USBA Super Middleweight championship.
Floyd Mayweather Vs. Manny Pacquiao 'Fight Of The Century' Preview
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