Tag Archives: Chris Pearson

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FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. MANNY PACQUIAO OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN TO BENEFIT SUSAN G. KOMEN & THE CLEVELAND CLINIC LOU RUVO CENTER FOR BRAIN HEALTH

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TICKETS WILL BE REQUIRED FOR PUBLIC ADMISSION ON

MAY 1 AT THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA

 

Tickets Go On Sale Tomorrow

 

LAS VEGAS (April 23, 2015) – The official weigh-in for the world championship matchup between Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is set for Friday, May 1 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Due to the expected demand for access to this event, fans will be required to purchase a ticket ahead of time in order to attend the weigh-in.  All funds raised through ticket sales will benefit Susan G. Komen and the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health on behalf of the promotion.

 

Tickets for the weigh-in are priced at $10 with a total ticket limit of 10, and are on sale Friday April 24 at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT. Tickets can be purchased through the MGM Resorts Call Center at (866) 740-7711 or at any MGM Resorts Box Office.

 

“The weigh-in is always the grand finale of fight week activities.” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “And with the massive interest in this fight, the number of fans looking to attend the official weigh-in is going to be something we’ve never seen before. We’re excited to be able to use the enthusiasm around this event to provide donations to two very deserving charities.

 

“The charge of $10 for the weigh-in will benefit two great charities. All proceeds will go right to them. This is a win-win situation for all,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank.

 

Fans in attendance can expect an electric atmosphere coupled with a full show featuring music and entertainment as the two fighters meet one last time before their historic fight Saturday, May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

 

*          *          *

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is a 12-round welterweight world championship unification bout that is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is a 12-round welterweight world championship unification bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., and is sponsored by Tecate con caracter, Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions -Terminator Genisys, in theaters July 1st, Paramount Pictures & Skydance Productions present MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION, in theaters & IMAX July 31st, The Weinstein Company and the new movie Southpaw, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, in theaters everywhere July 24 and Mexico, Live it to Believe it. The pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by SHOWTIME PPV® and HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

 

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com, www.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/TRBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.
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“MAYPAC” POP-UP SHOP COMING TO LAS VEGAS FOR FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. MANNY PACQUIAO SHOWDOWN STARTING FRIDAY, APRIL 24

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Store To Feature Unique Interactive Fan Experience, Official Gear and Merchandise, Art Gallery From Official Fight Artists, Plus Celebrity Appearances

 

LAS VEGAS (April 22, 2015) – With the historic Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao match up just over a week away, fans will have a unique opportunity to engage in the pre-fight excitement at the official “MayPac” pop-up shop opening this Friday, April 24 at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Fremont St.

 

The 1,700 square foot space will offer a one-of-a-kind fan experience featuring an interactive game, official merchandise and VIP meet and greets. The pop-up shop will remain open to fans through fight night onSaturday, May 2.

 

The fight simulation experience will give fans the opportunity to step into the ring as either Mayweather or Pacquiao and take on the other as an opponent. Custom designed to resemble Mayweather and Pacquiao’s own training rings, each game is equipped with a high-impact punching sensor and a video screen over 10 feet tall, delivering an immersive experience like no other.

 

Onscreen elements direct the user through punch combinations that allow them to take down their opponent blow-by-bow, culminating in a final knockout punch – that is, if you don’t get knocked out first!

 

For each use that succeeds in delivering a knockout punch, the crowning moment will be captured with a 360-degree camera. All winners will go home with a looping image of their knockout punch.

 

Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase official fight gear, merchandise and art commemorating the historic matchup in addition to attending celebrity meet and greets.

 

More information including shop hours and celebrity appearances is available at http://maypacstore.com/

 

 

*          *          *

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is a 12-round welterweight world championship unification bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., and is sponsored by Tecate. The pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by SHOWTIME PPV® and HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com, www.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/TRBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.
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Mayweather-Pacquiao Undercard Update: Sid El Harrak eagerly awaiting Pearson Showdown!

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Los Angeles, CA (April 22, 2015) – In less than two weeks, Sid El Harrak will have the chance to change his life and boxing career when he faces undefeated Chris Pearson as part of the historic Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

 

To prepare for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, El Harrak’s dedicated all of his time to various aspects of training. From cardio to strength and conditioning, sharpening his skills in the gym and intense sparring sessions, the California based Londoner is covering everything imaginable. Most importantly, he believes the grueling training sessions he’s gone through at both Wild Card Boxing Gym locations is already paying off.

 

“It’s very important to have an ample amount of time to train for a fight and that’s not something I’ve had my whole career,” said El Harrak, who is 12-2-2 with 7 wins by knockout. “Mentally, I feel 100 percent ready to go out there and shine in the biggest fight of my life. I’m still working hard to balance everything out so the world sees the best Sid El Harrak next Saturday.”

 

He also loves being considered the underdog against the 11-0 and heavily hyped Pearson.

 

“I have a lot of pride and knowing that I’m coming into this fight as the B-side pushes me that much more. I love the fact that Pearson’s supposed to be “the guy” in this fight. If I fought who he did, I’d be undefeated. At the same time, had he faced the opponents I did under the same circumstances, he’d have a few losses. To be honest, I’m sick of thinking about him. This is the most eager I’ve been for a fight in my career and I can’t wait to show everybody what I can do on May 2nd!”

 

The El Harrak-Pearson ten round junior middleweight bout will be televised on various networks throughout the world.

 

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147-POUND WEIGHT CLASS TAKES CENTER STAGE AGAIN ON SATURDAY, MAY 2 AT THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA

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Floyd Mayweather & Manny Pacquiao Square Off
In Another Classic Showdown

 In The Welterweight Division

 

LAS VEGAS (April 20, 2015) — It has often been said that “as the heavyweight division goes, so goes boxing,” but that has not always been the case and, in fact, might not even be valid when viewed from a comprehensive perspective dating back to the late 19th century. In Boxing, German author Bertram Job’s epic, 420-page coffee-table dissertation on all aspects of the sweet science, he writes that, “Elegance is the trademark of the slim and nimble stars in the under 147-pound weight class that has attracted insiders and admirers of beauty like no other.”

 

And so it is with what will be another benchmark entry in the rich history of the division when, onMay 2 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, live on pay-per-view, welterweight champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs) takes on fellow titlist Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao(57-5-2, 38 KOs) in a long-anticipated unification showdown that will be the richest prizefight in the sport’s history, and which has drawn comparisons to some of the premier matchups in a weight class imprinted with that elegant trademark to which Job referred.

 

Although Pacquiao, the only fighter ever to win world championships in eight weight classes, and Mayweather, who has reigned in five weight classes, have not campaigned solely or even mostly as welterweights, it is hardly a surprise that the most important intersection of their remarkable careers comes in the same division for which so many of boxing’s greatest legends are primarily known.

 

The “gold standard” to which all welterweights aspire remains the late, great Sugar Ray Robinson. Born Walker Smith Jr., the skinny kid who had never fought in a sanctioned bout at any level was a tag-along with coach George Gainford to an amateur tournament in Kingston, N.Y. Asked if he had a flyweight he wished to enter, Gainford was about to say no when Smith tugged on his sleeve and said, “I’ll fight.” As it turned out, Gainford had an AAU card – you needed one to be certified as a non-professional – in the name of Ray Robinson, one of his boxers who had given up the sport. Smith/Robinson won a four-round decision, and, although no one knew it then, thus was a legend born.

 

Robinson was 85-0 as an amateur before turning pro at 19 in 1940. By 1951, he was 128-1-2 with 84 knockout victories. Although he is also remembered for winning the middleweight title five times, Robinson never lost as a welterweight, winning so often and so emphatically that the legendary trainer, Eddie Futch, was moved to observe that, “He had everything. Boxing skills, punching power, a great chin, mental strength. There was nothing he couldn’t do.”

 

Robinson also had an outsized ego, which perhaps is a necessary component to any great fighter’s mental makeup. Even a trace of doubt in one’s own ability is not conducive to success in the ring. Once, when asked about his “golf game,” Muhammad Ali, who didn’t play golf, responded, “I’m the best, greatest of ’em all. I just haven’t played yet.”

 

Mayweather certainly brings that aura of invincibility to his work, and maybe not just because he has yet to lose as a professional. In 2013, he said, “Of course I feel unbeatable. I’m the best. I’m not going into any fight figuring that I’m beatable. I want to make a legacy for myself as the greatest fighter who ever entered the ring.”

 

Pacquiao, while perhaps not as verbose, is no less secure in his own belief system. It is those heaping measures of talent and swagger that make Mayweather vs. Pacquiao a must-see event. Which of these outstanding fighters can make the other bend to his will? Who will have his name written in larger print in the big book of welterweights?

 

The International Boxing Hall of Fame has inducted 23 fighters who were, at one time or another, welterweight champions. In addition to Robinson, those whose plaques grace the hallowed hall include Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns, Oscar De La Hoya, Felix Trinidad, Julio Cesar Chavez, Pernell Whitaker, Carmen Basilio, Henry Armstrong, Emile Griffith, Pipino Cuevas, Jose Napoles, Curtis Cokes, Barney Ross, Kid Gavilan, Wilfred Benitez, Luis Rodriguez, Mickey Walker, Fritzie Zivic, Jack Britton, Jackie Fields, Ted “Kid” Lewis and “Mysterious” Billy Smith. Mayweather and Pacquiao are of course assured of joining their ranks as soon as they become eligible to go onto the ballot.

 

The lead-up to Mayweather vs. Pacquiao has generated no shortage of comparisons to past welterweight clashes that are notable for the classic nature of those bouts, the widespread public interest attendant to them, or both.

 

Is Mayweather vs. Pacquiao more likely to be a repeat of, say, Leonard-Duran I, which Duran won on a rousing unanimous decision on June 25, 1980, in Montreal? The epic Leonard-Hearns I, on Sept. 16, 1981, which saw Leonard, trailing on the scorecards, rally for a dramatic, 14th-round TKO at Caesars Palace? Trinidad’s controversial majority decision over De La Hoya in their Sept. 18, 1999, unification showdown at the Mandalay Bay? Or will it make its own mark in such a distinctive way that no comparisons can or should be drawn?

 

When it comes to unforgettable welterweight bouts, by now it should be obvious that anything and everything is possible. Mayweather and Pacquiao will make history, and add to it, by attempting to bend destiny each to their own purpose.

 

# # #

 

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is a 12-round welterweight world championship unification bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., and is sponsored by Tecate. The pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com,www.SHO.com/Sports, www.hbo.com/boxingand www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/TRBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.
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MANNY “PACMAN” PACQUIAO’S HOLLYWOOD MEDIA WORKOUT ATTRACTS RECORD MEDIA TURNOUT!

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Quotables From Notables

Manny Pacquiao, Freddie Roach and Bob Arum

16 Days Before The Fight of the Century      

 

SATURDAY, MAY 2, AT THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW

 

Click HERE For Pacquiao Media Day Replay Link

Click HERE For Pacquiao Media Day Video Highlights

 

Click HERE For Mayweather Media Day Video Highlights

 

Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

Click HERE For Photos From Chris Farina/Top Rank

 

Click HERE For Mayweather Photos From Tuesday’s Workout

Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (April 16, 2015) – It was Manny Media Mania at Wednesday’s media workout for Fighter of the Decade, eight-division world champion and boxing superhero Congressman MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO.  Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs), who represents the Sarangani province in the Philippines, hosted a Hollywood Media Workout with his Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and Hall of Promoter Bob Arum.

 

Over 300 media from around the globe flocked to Wild Card Boxing Club to ask the trio about Pacquiao’s May 2 welterweight world championship unification battle against undefeatedFLOYD “Money” MAYWEATHER JR. (47-0, 26 KOs), at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

 

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., the live pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

 

What Pacquiao, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum and Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach saidWednesday:

 

MANNY PACQUIAO, Eight-Division World Champion

 

“I feel very excited for the fight.

 

“I have a lot of sparring partners that are similar to Floyd’s fighting style, we have done well. We know what to expect.

 

“I have watched tape on Floyd to make sure that our strategy and technique in training camp is correct.

 

“My entire career defines my legacy; I have already accomplished great achievements in my career while excelling in different weight divisions. This fight is an additional achievement in my career; it’s the biggest fight in boxing history.

 

“I can say that beating Floyd would be the biggest victory of my career.

 

“More people are interested and informed about this fight now than they would’ve been five years ago.

 

“Style wise, I am the same fighter I was five years ago. My determination, inspiration and killer instinct is the exact same as it was five or six years ago.

 

“For me, boxing is my passion. I enjoy boxing and giving honor to my country of the Philippines. My concern is to bring an exciting fight to my fans. My first concern going into every fight is how will be to be able to entertain my fans, give them enjoyment and make them happy.

 

“The reason I am so loved by fans is because of my reckless style of fighting. People like exciting fights with actual punches being thrown.”

 

BOB ARUM, Top Rank CEO

 

“Manny is motivated, he’s ready for the fight. I expect a great performance from him.

 

“It’s a very interesting fight because Floyd is a defensive specialist who has a good right hand and picks off his opponents. He’s an extraordinarily good fighter.

 

“Pacquiao’s strength is speed, particularly his foot speed and the fact that he throws so many punches and attacks from low angles. He really hits harder than Floyd does, so that’s really what it’s going to be about.

 

“Floyd has a different defense than Juan Manuel Marquez. His defense is primarily his shoulder roll. A lot of his defense is geared against a right handed fighter. With that said, I think Manny is going to surprise a lot of people with how he is going to be able to reach Floyd.

 

“I would say Manny is more motivated for this fight than any other fight I’ve seen him prepare for.

 

“I’m looking forward to May 2. I love Manny’s chances of winning, that’s the main thing. He looks great, he’s motivated, no nonsense, and I think he’s going to put on a performance for the ages. It’s going to be hard for him to top his performance against Oscar De La Hoya, but I think he will in this fight.”


FREDDIE ROACH, Pacquiao’s Hall of Fame Trainer

 

“We have a great idea of when and where we are going to attack Mayweather.

 

“This fight was five years in the making. Promoters should realize that these types of fights are what’s best for boxing and we should have more fights like this. I’m not surprised by the hype surrounding the fight.

 

“Manny has really raised the bar in this training camp. He’s a different Manny Pacquiao than I have seen him going into previous training camps. He is punching so much harder in training for this camp.

 

“Manny is better than ever, his attitude is different and I’ve never seen him work this hard. His speed is faster, his punches are harder. I’m really happy where he’s at. His legs look great; he’s on his toes all the time.

 

“Mayweather is a good counter-puncher, but Manny has faster hands and his combinations are better than Floyd’s.

 

“Both fighters have great experience, so I don’t believe that will be a factor in the fight. The biggest thing is that each fighter comes in with a different style. Floyd is a counter-puncher but Manny must be the one to enforce the fight.

 

“I believe that Manny being a southpaw will be a factor in this fight. Manny showed me tape of Floyd fighting a southpaw and told me that that is exactly what we are going to do in this fight.

 

“I can tell how much this fight means to Manny because he has watched tape on Floyd. Manny has never watched tape on any fighter before.

 

“Since Manny moved to 147 he hasn’t knocked many guys out, so getting the knockout in this fight isn’t a concern for me. If Manny fights at 140, then he does knock guys out, but at this weight he is fighting guys who are bigger than him.

 

“Floyd may be a bigger guy, but we will still win the fight.

 

“This fight is much bigger than when Manny fought Oscar De La Hoya. Manny is a different person going into this fight. He hit me so hard the other day that I believe it’s the hardest I’ve ever been hit by a fighter who I’m training.

 

“I don’t believe that Floyd ever wanted this fight, he was forced to take it by the public and the media. I wouldn’t be surprised if Floyd pulled out now.”

 

# # #

 

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com,www.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/TRBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOsportsandwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.
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CLIP LIFT OF EPISODE 1 OF INSIDE MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO AVAILABLE NOW IN ADVANCE OF SATURDAY’S PREMIERE

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* * * VIDEO ALERT * * *

Saturday, April 18 on SHOWTIME® Immediately Following

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Chavez vs. Fonfara

 

The fight the fans craved is finally here.  Now, after years of anticipation and negotiation, the reality of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao stepping into the ring is just over two weeks away.  Check out this clip lift from Episode 1 of the SHOWTIME Sports® documentary seriesINSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO.  Don’t miss the full episode this Saturday immediately following SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Andrzej Fonfara at10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME.

 

Click on this link to watch, share and embed this video: http://s.sho.com/1J4oInr

Photo Credit: Esther Lin / SHOWTIME

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com,www.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions,www.facebook.com/TRBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

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FLOYD “MONEY” MAYWEATHER LAS VEGAS WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS SATURDAY, MAY 2, AT THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW

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Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

Click HERE For Photos From Will Hart/HBO

 

Click HERE For Workout Highlight Reel


LAS VEGAS – (April 15, 2015) – More than 200 accredited press members from around the world descended upon Mayweather Boxing Club for Tuesday’s Floyd Mayweather Media Day. It was the 11-time world champion Mayweather’s first and only open training session before his welterweight world championship unification mega-showdown against Manny Pacquiao on Saturday, May 2, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas live on pay-per-view.

 

Superstars Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs) and Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs) is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., the live pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

 

Several dozen television camera crews, newspaper columnists, boxing writers, radio broadcasters, web reporters, photographers and (video) bloggers watched as Mayweather went through the paces during  a 90-plus minute workout that included working the heavy bag, smacking the speed bag, hitting the mitts, jumping rope,  stretching and doing calisthenics.

 

Before a training session streamed in high definition across multiple platforms, including via satellite feed, YouTube and social media, Mayweather answered questions from the media inside a specially-constructed tent in a parking lot outside the gym.

 

What Mayweather, Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe, trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. and unbeaten WBC Super Bantamweight Champion Leo Santa Cruz, who will fight in the top pay-per-view undercard bout on May 2, said Tuesday:

 

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, 11-Time World Champion

 

“My training camp is basically running the same way. I think it has been smoother than others. I feel very comfortable and happy with my performances.  They push me hard at camp. They know what I need.

 

“The timing for this fight is right. This fight is about legacy, fans and family. I surround myself with all of the right people.

 

“I can’t say that this matchup is about hype. This is real life. This is two future Hall of Famers in a mega-fight.

 

“I’ve done record breaking numbers before and it looks like we’re going to do it again.

 

“Everything in life is about timing. I have no regrets that this fight didn’t take place five years ago.  I didn’t think it was that big then, but it continued to get bigger and bigger. Not just in boxing, but outside of the sport. Pacquiao has continued to grow outside of the sport. We didn’t need to rush anything.

 

“This is going to be an exciting fight.  Our styles are totally different.  He is very, very reckless. Every move I make is calculated. I’m always 5-10 steps ahead of my opponent.

 

“We’ll see what happens when the fight starts. But when all is said and done I’m going to be the winner.

 

“Pacquiao is strong and solid but I don’t know if he can make adjustments like I can. I feel tremendous.

 

“This was a difficult fight to make happen, but we made it happen. This fight is one of the biggest ever in boxing.

 

“I’m still going strong. The last time I looked, I was 47 and 0.

 

“Anyone can get hit with a great shot, but I can make more adjustments and Manny can’t.

 

“I don’t think Pacquiao expected me to look as strong or big when we faced off (at the L.A. press conference).

 

“I walk around at 150-152 pounds to weigh 147 pounds. Other boxers weigh around 160-170 before coming down.

 

“I’ve got one more fight on my contract. I couldn’t be happier with SHOWTIME and CBS.

 

“Las Vegas is the boxing capital. During a Floyd Mayweather fight weekend, you can shop, party, stay out late and do anything you want. The city of Las Vegas has everything.

 

“There were offers to fight other places, but MGM Grand is my home.

 

“Anything I’ve asked of MGM Grand, they’ve done for me in a heartbeat. They’re all about making entertainers and athletes happy.”

 

LEO SANTA CRUZ, WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion

 

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to fight on such an unbelievably huge card. I really want to thank Floyd Mayweather.

 

“Any boxer would like to be on this card where millions of people are watching. I’m happy to represent Mexico on this night and on this fight card.

“I look at it as a key opportunity for me to make an even bigger name for myself, which is my goal because one day I want to become a superstar like Floyd. That’s why I train really hard all of the time.

 

“There are no little fights for me. I consider every fighter dangerous. You lose when you think a fighter is not on your level and then he comes in hungrier than you. That will never happen to me.

 

“I don’t know who I’m fighting yet, but I’m sparring different guys with different styles.

 

“There’s always a lot at risk for me. People keep talking about all of these big fights, but if I don’t win now, there will be no big fights in the future.

 

“I know who I want to fight, but I don’t pick my opponents; I leave it up to my team. They make those kinds of decisions. My job is to fight and win.

 

“I have to stay concentrated. I have to maintain focus and concentration. I can’t get ahead of myself. I give 100 percent in training and in the ring. I always want to put on a great fight for the fans.”


LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

 

“Boxing is at an all time high at the moment. There are a lot of great things going on. Between this fight and getting boxing back on network television, it’s all great for the sport.

 

“This fight will not only elevate the sport in general, but it will bring in the casual fan to the sport and that’s a great thing.

 

“The impact that Floyd Mayweather has had on this sport is immeasurable. People won’t be able to appreciate that until he retires. He’s done so much for this sport. He’s given fighters a platform to say to other promoters that they deserve the lion’s share of the money. He’s brought more sponsorships to the sport.

 

“Floyd Mayweather is the highest paid athlete in all of sports and he happens to be a boxer.

 

“I think the demand thus far only indicates how big this event is. This is a fight that’s been talked about for five years now and everyone is going to get exactly what they’ve been asking for.

 

“Manny Pacquiao is a great fighter. He’s been in a number of great fights and he’s had a terrific career thus far.  These are the two best fighters of this generation and come May 2 there will be one man standing and it will be Floyd Mayweather.

 

“There’s no doubt it’s going to be a great fight. I’m really excited. I can see firsthand the day-to-day preparation that Floyd puts in and he’s working just as hard as ever. The fans are going to get a great fight that night.

 

“I don’t know what Manny Pacquiao has to do on May 2, but I know what Floyd Mayweather has to do. He has to do what he normally does and go in there and execute his game plan and I really expect Floyd to knock him out.”

 

FLOYD MAYWEATHER SR., Mayweather’s Trainer & Father

 

“Floyd is as well rounded a fighter as there has ever been, but he’s really still here because of his defense.

 

“Other guys fight with their head and their mind and come up short. It’s his great defense that has kept him on top for so long.

 

“I want you all to see it. It’s so plain and simple what he’s going to do. Even Ray Charles could see it.

 

“I honestly never thought that this was going to happen. So many people were trying to say Floyd was scared. Lets see on May 2 who is scared.

 

“I can’t tell you why or how, but here’s an update, Floyd is going to kick his a** and knock Pacquiao out.

 

“I didn’t watch one tape on Pacquiao. There is no reason to study him. He’s not at this level.

 

“Floyd is the best, I must confess. Nothing is going to stop Floyd Mayweather.

 

“Pacquiao’s trainer Coach Roach (Freddie Roach) is lying to you. Trying to trick you all. Floyd’s not getting knocked down in the gym. Floyd is the one knocking people down. Roach blows smoke with no hope.”

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For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com,www.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebookatwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiaowww.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/TRBoxing,www.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.
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MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES ADDITION OF  UNDEFEATED MEXICAN SUPERSTAR LEO SANTA CRUZ TO FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. MANNY PACQUIAO PAY-PER-VIEW UNDERCARD

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PLUS! NON-PAY-PER-VIEW ACTION TO PIT MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS’ OWN CHRIS PEARSON AGAINST SAID EL HARRAK AND UNDEFEATED PROSPECT ANDREW TABITI 

TAKES ON AN OPPONENT TO BE DETERMINED

 

LAS VEGAS (April 10, 2015) – As Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao fight night approaches, Mayweather Promotions announced today that undefeated Mexican superstar and current WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo “Terremoto” Santa Cruz (29-0-1, 17 KOs) will be featured on the three-fight pay-per-view televised undercard against an opponent to be determined.

 

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao takes place Saturday, May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and will be co-produced and co-distributed live by  HBO Pay-Per-View®  and SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

“I’m extremely excited to put one of the most popular and exciting Mexican fighters in the world on the pay-per-view undercard of this historic event on Cinco De Mayo weekend,” said Mayweather, president of Mayweather Promotions. “I’m all about giving my loyal fans what they want. All the fans watching on fight night will be in for a great show when Leo Santa Cruz enters the ring.”

 

“I’m so honored to be the lead-in for Mayweather vs. Pacquiao and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to do so on Cinco De Mayo weekend,” said Santa Cruz. “This will be a huge night for boxing and I plan on showing everybody that I’m all about action-packed fights. I’m grateful to Floyd Mayweather and Mayweather Promotions for giving me this opportunity and giving the Mexican fight fans another reason to cheer on May 2.”

 

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao marks the second-consecutive Mayweather pay-per-view event featuring Santa Cruz. In September he wiped out Manuel Roman with a second-round technical knockout as the co-main event of “MAYHEM: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2.” Previously he had fought on the non-televised undercard of MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Robert Guerrero, with a technical knockout over Alexander Munoz. Additionally, this is the fourth consecutive fight for Santa Cruz at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and his ninth overall in the state of Nevada of his 30 professional fights.

 

In non-pay-per-view undercard action, a pair of Mayweather Promotions’ fighters will look to keep their undefeated records intact. Super welterweight prospect Chris “Sweet” Pearson (11-0, 9 KOs) will square off against tough brawler Said El Harrak (12-2-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

 

“I’m a young, hungry fighter who has big aspirations in this sport,” said Pearson. “May 2 is a great opportunity to show the world why I will be a future world champion.”

 

Plus, cruiserweight knockout artist Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (9-0, 9 KOs) takes on an opponent to be determined in eight rounds of action.

 

“I can’t wait for this opportunity to get in the ring and show off my power on May 2,” said Tabiti. “I’m always ready to put on a show for the fans and I hope they’re ready to see a big knockout.”

 

“Mayweather Promotions is dedicated to putting on the biggest events for fans and with the inclusion of these great young fighters we are ensuring that once again,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Chris Pearson and Andrew Tabiti are future world champions who will have a chance to perform on the biggest stage in all of boxing on May 2, and I can’t say enough bout how excited we are to have Leo Santa Cruz on the card as the lead in for Mayweather vs. Pacquiao.”

 

The fan-friendly two-division world champion Santa Cruz has defended his super bantamweight title numerous times in impressive fashion on his way to earning a reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the world. The 26-year-old won his first world title in 2012. In 2013 he won his super bantamweight title, which he now holds. Born in Huetamo, Michoaca de Ocampo, Mexico but fighting out of Los Angeles, Santa Cruz looks to entertain the fans at MGM Grand on May 2 when he fights on the highly anticipated Mayweather vs. Pacquiao pay-per-view.

 

An undefeated prospect out of Dayton, Ohio, Pearson is coming off of an impressive unanimous decision in Dececmber 2014 over the hard-hitting Steve Martinez and he looks to keep his momentum going when he fights on May 2. At just 24,, Pearson had recorded eight straight victories inside the distance before his most recent bout. He takes on the 27-year-old El Harrak who fights out of Henderson, Nev. by way of London.

 

A 25-year-old with extreme knockout power, Tabiti last fought in December 2014 and delivered with a first-round knockout of Ernest Reyna. It was his ninth knockout in a row to start his career. Born in Chicago but fighting out of Las Vegas, “The Beast” hopes to make it 10 knockouts in 10 tries when he enters the ring onMay 2.

 

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For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com, www.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/TRBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.
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Said El Harrak to face Chris Pearson on Mayweather-Pacquiao Undercard!

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Los Angeles, CA (March 23, 2015) – Said “The Messenger” El Harrak will have a career changing opportunity when he faces unbeaten and highly regarded Chris Pearson Saturday, May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV.

 

The ten round junior middleweight bout will take place on the undercard of the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao superfight.

 

Born in London, El Harrak relocated to California as a young teenager and had an impressive amateur career. He turned pro in 2008 and won his first eight fights, leading to a ShoBox bout against fellow unbeaten Lanard Lane. The 5’11 El Harrak, who scaled in at 157 pounds for a bout two months prior to meeting Lane, took extreme measures to make 144 pounds for the opportunity. Unfortunately, he was unable to rehydrate and suffered a second round stoppage.

 

After a three fight unbeaten streak, he lost a controversial split decision to contender Jesus Soto Karass on AztecaAmerica. Following the debatable setback, El Harrak scored two straight third round stoppages and battled to a draw against 17-2 Luis Grajeda. His record currently stands at 12-2-2 with seven victories by knockout.

 

Pearson, 11-0 (9 KO’s), is regarded amongst the top young talents in America. The 24-year-old Ohio native is a member of the Mayweather Promotions stable and has been very impressive thus far. In December 2013, Pearson wowed the boxing world by demolishing previously unbeaten Acacio Joao Ferreira in the first round on ShoBox. In his most recent match, Pearson earned a clear-cut unanimous decision over respected prospect Steve Martinez.

 

“This is an honor and a privilege,” said El Harrak. “I always envisioned fighting on a big card like this. The Mayweather-Pacquiao fight is one that people will talk about until the end of time and the fact that I have the opportunity to fight on it is truly an honor. I’ve seen Pearson a few times and he’s a good fighter with a lot of natural talent. I know he’s Mayweather’s fighter and I have to take the fight to him in order to leave no doubt in the judges’ hands. This is a life changing opportunity that I’ve been training for since I first put on a pair of gloves.”

 

The El Harrak-Pearson match will be televised on various networks throughout the world. More information will follow.