“It’s going to be a historic fight. To the fans of boxing, I believe this is what you have been waiting for since five years ago. The fight is on, and we will do our best on May 2 to make you happy” – Manny Pacquiao
by Leony R. Garcia
The countdown on Mayweather-Pacquiao May 2 mega fight begins Wednesday (Manila time) during the red carpet press conference held in Los Angeles Tuesday afternoon.
The Filipino boxing icon was out walking the red carpet by the time Floyd Mayweather Jr. arrived, fashionably late for their first appearance together to promote a fight that really needs no promoting.
At the only news conference the fighters will do prior to the week of the fight, promoters announced that tickets would range from $1,500 in the upper reaches of the MGM Garden to $7,500 at ringside. The pay-per-view price wasn’t announced, but is expected to be in the $90 to $100 range.
Billed as “Fight of the Millenium”, it’s a fight many in the sports world thought never would get made because of so many contentious issues between the two camps. It will take place at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas and be televised jointly by the pay-per-view outlets of Showtime, which has Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs) under contract, and HBO, which backs Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs).
“It’s going to be a historic fight. To the fans of boxing, I believe this is what you have been waiting for since five years ago. The fight is on, and we will do our best on May 2 to make you happy,” Pacquiao, Pacman to his fans, said.
“May 2 – the world stops. Mayweather vs Pacquiao is the biggest fight in history,” Mayweather said
Both fighters took credit for the agreement that finally was reached. “This fight is happening because of me,” Mayweather said. “I asked for the fight myself.”
“I’m the one who pushed it to make that fight happen,” Pacquiao countered. “I agreed to what he wants to do. I agreed to 40-60 [purse split].”
Mayweather who is known for his brash nature, toned down his antics when he addressed the Filipino fans on Wednesday.
During an interview with a Filipino reporter covering the press conference for his fight against Pacquiao, Mayweather reportedly expressed his affection for the Philippines.
“I love the Philippines. I love all the Philippine fans. You guys have been remarkable, you guys have done a great job. You guys have stood behind Manny Pacquiao. Without the fans, we both wouldn’t be where we at today.” Mayweather said in the interview that aired on GMA 7’s “24 Oras” on Wednesday night.
“You guys have been remarkable, you guys have done a great job. You guys have stood behind Manny Pacquiao. Without the fans, we both wouldn’t be where we at today.”
In the same interview, Mayweather called Pacquiao a “cool guy.”“I don’t have anything bad to say about him. He’s a remarkable fighter, he’s a good fighter. He’s done something right to get to this point. And my job is just to be smart,” Mayweather said.
After the press conference and in between trainings, the Filipino boxing champ guested to at least seven television programs in the US to promote the fight. He has also been receiving surprise guests including Hollywood stars and big names in sports in his training camp.
From PSR, we wish all the best for the People’s Champ Pacman!
