Big money, hype give extra punch

Countdown to ‘fight of the century’ gets under way

THE countdown is on for Saturday’s showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, the $400-million (R4.8-billion) “fight of the century” with a place in boxing’s pantheon of greats on the line. More than five years in the making, it’s an epic clash of styles and personalities, pitting the craftsmanship and defensive savvy of Mayweather against explosive southpaw Pacquiao – an iconic figure in his native Philippines. The welterweight world title unification bout looks set to smash boxing records for worldwide viewership and revenue, with Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum predicting it could generate as much as $400-million. With a 60-40 purse split in favour of Mayweather, the unbeaten American stands to make $180-million (R2.16-billion) and Pacquiao $120-million (R1.44-billion). Fanned by instant internet publicity and social media, global interest in the contest has skyrocketed. The precious 500 tickets for seats at the 16 800-capacity MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas that were put on sale directly to the public at face values ranging from $1 500 (R18 000) to $10 000 (R120 700) sold out in minutes. The staggering financial figures and celebrity sideshows have only boosted the fight’s cross-over appeal. The build-up has focused on such minutiae as Mayweather’s custom-made mouth guard, infused with diamonds and gold, and the $2-million (R24.2-million) Pacquiao will rake in for advertising on his trunks. But once all that is stripped away, it will be up to the two men in the ring to deliver on the hype, in a duel that many feel has passed its sell-by date. “The only thing the fighters can do is go out there and perform, and do what we do best,” says Mayweather, who brings an impeccable 47-0 record with 26 knockouts to the bout, along with the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association welterweight world titles. Mayweather, trained by his father Floyd snr and continuing a family boxing legacy that stretches back for decades, is closing in on the iconic 49-0 record of 1950s legend Rocky Marciano, who retired as an undefeated heavyweight champion. The American has held 11 titles in five weight divisions, his untarnished record and unabashed swagger making him the highest-paid sportsman in the world. At 38, Mayweather is two years older than World Boxing Organisation champion Pacquiao, who is nevertheless considered the more ring-worn of the two, with his record of 57-5 with two drawn and 38 knockouts.