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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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FLOYD MAYWEATHER MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

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 Kelly Swanson         

Thanks, everybody, for joining us today. Today on the call we have none other than ‘TBE’ the greatest fighter on the earth, Floyd Mayweather, 11-time World Champion. We also have Leonard Ellerbe, CEO, Mayweather Promotions.  Leonard, please start with the introductions.  Thank you.

 

Leonard Ellerbe       

Thank you, everyone, for joining us on the call. We’ll jump right into this without further ado.  None other than Floyd Mayweather himself.

 

Floyd Mayweather   

Hey, how is everyone doing?  I want to thank Leonard.  I want to thank Kelly.  I want to thank my team.  I want to thank all the media from around the world that have been covering this fight.  I want to thank everyone, I just want to say that you guys are doing a great job and I appreciate you.

 

Q

That thing on SportsCenter the other night, when you were talking about your place in boxing history and you said you thought you were greater than Muhammad Ali.  Can you expand on your reasons why you feel that way?

 

F. Mayweather         

I just feel like, like I said before, I take my hat off and then acknowledge all of the past champions. Ali, I think he was a legend.  I respect Ali like I respect any other champion.  I just feel like I’ve done everything I can do in this sport over my whole life, for 30-something years.  I feel like I’ve done just as much in this sport as Ali did.

 

There’s no disrespect to him.  I just feel like, when you look at it, Ali was great in one weight class, which is heavyweight.  But he stood up for a good cause; he stood up for a hell of a cause in his era.

 

I think that it’s hard for a guy to beat me. I’m still sharp, still very, very sharp at the age of 38.  Still going strong at the age of 38.  There’s no disrespect to Ali, as I said before.  I just feel like I’m the best, no different from how he called himself ‘The Greatest,’ I call myself ‘TBE.’

 

I’m pretty sure that I will get criticized for what I said, but I can care less.  I couldn’t care less about the backlash.  I believe what I believe like he probably got criticized at one particular time when he said that he was the greatest.  He felt like he was better than Sugar Ray Robinson.  The list goes on and on.  I’m pretty sure there’s going to be another fighter that’s going to come along and say he’s better than Floyd Mayweather and he’s going to get criticized.

 

Q        

Do you think that Manny Pacquiao believes anything that Freddie Roach is saying when it comes to the bad guy and all this other stuff?  Or do you think he’s just blowing smoke?

 

F. Mayweather         

I’m not going to speak negative about Freddie Roach.  I don’t have to at all.  If I say something about the guy, they’re going to think Floyd is picking on a guy, who is not 100 percent healthy.

 

Then, if I comment on some of the stuff he says, he’s making this basically a God and devil type thing.  The best way to handle a situation like that, is not to say anything at all, if you don’t have anything positive to say.  He don’t have to get in there and fight, so when it comes down to it, it’s up to the two fighters.

 

He’s entitled to say what he wants to say, but the fighter is not speaking like that.  I couldn’t care less because it comes down to the two fighters.  I wish Freddie Roach nothing but the best; I don’t have anything negative to say about him.  I’m truly blessed to be where I’m at and I’m thankful to be where I’m at.

 

Q

The magnitude of this fight, I know you treat it like just another fight, but what about your team?  How has your team dealt with the press?

 

F. Mayweather         

I’m very happy, like I said before.  A little bit of everything got me to this point. Everybody played a major key.  I try to keep my team grounded.  People talk about the money.  That plays a major key.  My place in history plays a major key.  Performing well plays a major key.  Everything plays a major, major key.

 

I just try to keep my team grounded and try to keep them focused and just try to teach them every day how to go out there and fish for themselves.  That’s the only thing I try to teach my team.  I tell them to stay positive, and what I’ve heard was keep a positive environment around myself, which keeps me comfortable and happy.

 

Q

Are you excited at any point of this fight?  I know you say you treat this like a job, but are you excited to finally get in the ring and have this fight happen?

 

F. Mayweather         

It’s just like I said before.  I’m not really going crazy.  It’s just a fight to me.  I know it’s the biggest fight in boxing history, but I can’t approach it like that because I’m not going to put any unnecessary pressure on myself.

 

He’s a fighter that’s extremely talented, he’s a very good fighter also, and my thing is just to be Floyd Mayweather.  People actually don’t know, how is this fight going to be fought?  I can’t say.  Like I said before, I’m not a psychic.  I cannot predict the future.  But I will be at my best May 2nd.

 

Q

Listen, if you believe Bob Arum, this fight might not happen.  That there’s issues with tickets, there’s the contract has not been signed, whatever.  Do you know anything about that?

 

F. Mayweather         

When it comes to the business side, that’s for Leonard Ellerbe.  I don’t try to worry about tickets; I try to worry about the guy that’s in front of in me, which is going to be Manny Pacquiao.  That’s my whole focus.  Tickets are something I don’t really deal with.

 

Q

Have you trained harder for any previous fight than you have for this one, and would that be down to your respect for Manny or the fact that you need to work a bit harder the older you get?

 

F. Mayweather         

When you’re trying to perform, when you’re at this level, you always want to perform extremely well.  You don’t want to overtrain.  You want to train to where you know you’re completely ready.  Go out there and be at just 100 percent.  As far as this training camp, I’ve trained extremely hard.  I believe that we’ll just see how everything plays out.

 

Q

I’m hearing reports, Floyd, that you’re looking stronger and fitter than ever.

 

F. Mayweather         

Well, some people say that, you might not believe that depending on who is telling you. Hopefully.  Hopefully I am.  We’ll just have to see.  That’s why I’m at this level, at the pinnacle of my career, because I’ve been pushing myself for so long and working so hard.

 

Q

Can I just ask you about Amir Khan?  Is he still in your plans?

 

F. Mayweather

My focus right now is the guy that’s in front of me.  My last fight is in September.  I never want to overlook anyone.  I believe you take it one fighter at a time.  As of right now, Manny Pacquaio is the guy that’s in front of me, and that’s my focus.

 

Q

My question is regarding, Manny Pacquiao has said he thinks it’s Floyd’s time to lose.  He’s almost implying that it’s maybe, God is on his side.  I was wondering how you think, if God actually does care who wins prizefights?

 

F. Mayweather         

I actually believe God loves us all.  The people that are on this call, every writer, every fighter, every athlete that goes out there and competes.  God loves us all.  Once again, I’m a fighter.  What I do, I’m a professional prizefighter.  I believe in God and I love God. I don’t think God takes sides.

 

Q

Lot of stuff gets reported in the fourth or the sixth weeks leading up to this.  We don’t always get a chance to ask you yourself, so I want to give you the opportunity.  Is there anything that was reported that you want to clear up that you want to actually say no, that isn’t true, you guys got it wrong?

 

F. Mayweather         

No, nothing at all.  Because once my career is over, that’s when I’m going to read everything, anyway, all the articles that people have written.  When I come home, I leave boxing at the boxing gym.  When I go to the gym or when I go to train, I work.  I dedicate myself to my craft.

 

When I come home and I’m not on the computer, I’m not looking at myself.  I’m not buying magazine covers with me on the cover.  I’m not on the computer looking up articles.  I could care less about all that.  My job is to go out there and perform and be at my best, and be the best that I can be in the sport of boxing.

 

Q

My question for you is, in your opinion, what would a victory against Pacquiao do for your legacy?  And then how much would it enhance your legacy.

 

F. Mayweather         

It’s just another fight. I just look at the situation.  He’s another guy that I faced.  You’re just going to say in history, that these two faced each other at one particular time.  It was hard to make the fight happen, eventually they made the fight happen, and we faced each other.

 

Q

Do you believe, though, that a victory would in some way enhance your legacy?

 

F. Mayweather         

I’m not sure, because I’m not the one that’s putting myself in the history books.

 

Q

Do you think it’s true that the winner of the fight will be declared, in essence, by the public, as the king of this era?

 

F. Mayweather         

I can’t really say.  I don’t really know.  Just look at Ali’s career.  When he fought, he looked like the best when he fought.  I think he lost seven fights.  When I got older I noticed that he lost seven fights and lost some other fight that he lost.  He still was known as the greatest. Because that’s what he put out there.  So, that’s what it is.

 

Q

The wonderment on a lot of people’s minds is when the career is over, will you have enough money for the rest of your life?  Do you ever worry about losing at all?

 

F. Mayweather         

I’m blessed. I made some good investments to where if I wanted to retire today, I could.

 

Q

That means there’s no fear of bankruptcy whatsoever in terms of the gambling and the other involvements that you’ve spent?

 

F. Mayweather         

I made some good investments, and if I wanted to retire today, I could.

 

Q        

My question is, you said at the press conference that you though that Pacquiao was surprised at how much bigger you were than him.  Can you talk a little bit about that, and then also some of the strategic aspects of being the bigger fighter in the ring on May 2?

 

F. Mayweather         

Normally when I face an opponent, they normally outweighed me by 17 to 20 pounds on fight nights.  This has been going on for a good while now.  You can read a guy’s body language.  When Pacquiao first saw me in Miami, he didn’t expect to see me over there at the basketball game. He looked shocked, like, ‘Damn, he is taller than me.  He’s bigger than what I thought he was.’ Just being in the sport for so long, you’re able to read body language; you’re able to read a fighter’s eyes.

 

Q

Do you feel that some of the trash talking is Freddie Roach being nervous about the fight and trying to get a psychological edge on you?

 

F. Mayweather         

I’m not fighting Freddie Roach, so I’m not worried about that at all.  Freddie Roach, he’s Pacquiao’s trainer and he’s going to do what he has to do for his fighter to win.  If that’s trying to get an edge, then that’s what he should do.

 

Q

All of your other fights, you’ve always been a very vocal, always been a vocal fighter.  Why the silence this time?

 

F. Mayweather         

This is exactly what I’ve said.  Even in my interviews, I’ve said we had to bring a game plan.  Even from day one when I was with Bob Arum, I said I wanted to work extremely hard to get to a certain point in my career, which is to get to a point to be the first fighter to ever make nine figures in one night.

 

It took a game plan to me going out there on my own.  It’s just me speaking out with a very, very loud voice.  Having a lot of personality.  But as you get older, you mature.  After trash talking for 17, 18 years, and constantly saying, look what I’ve done.  Look at me.  Look at me.  You know what I’m saying?  I’m the best.  Look at me.  And everybody they’ve put in front of me I’ve beaten.

 

I’m at a point where you just say, you know what?  It is what it is.  I know what I can do.  I know what I bring to the table.  God has truly blessed me to be in this situation.  I have a good team.  My children are healthy, so I don’t have to do all that.

 

It’s more like I did all that loud talking and everything to get to a certain point.  I’ve still got a lot of personality, I did what I had to do to get to a certain point in my career, and that’s what I did.  It was a brilliant game plan.

 

Q

From your personal point of view, how has this fight and this promotion been different from the many other big events that you’ve been a part of?

 

F. Mayweather         

It’s actually been kind of the same.  It’s just a little bit over the top, but I just try to stay relaxed.  That’s my main thing.  It’s a very, very huge event.  I can remember every day.

 

Sometimes I think about when Mike Tyson got out of prison and he was boxing, and when he was fighting at the MGM Grand.  I would go to the MGM Grand, because I wasn’t a professional at that particular time.  Just starting.  I would go to the MGM Grand and some people would know me so I would take pictures and just sign a few autographs.  I was like, man, MGM Grand would never be this packed again.  That’s what I thought.  I was only 19 years old at that particular time.  That was in ’96.  I kept believing though. I always believed that I could do record-breaking numbers.  I just needed the right team with me and it took a little bit of everything.  The right fights, the right team, and we made it happen.

 

Q

Beyond all the trash talk and salesmanship, you’ve always been a guy that, when it comes down to it, is very respectful of his opponents.  I think it’s part of your secret.  Is there anything that you admire about Manny Pacquiao, either the fighter or the person?

 

F. Mayweather         

Well, he’s got to this point by doing something right.  It’s obvious he’s done something right to get to this point.  I have to respect that.

 

Q        

The Filipino fans are expecting or hoping for a very aggressive Manny in the ring.  Is this something that you’re training for, or are you just going in the ring to fight your fight, make the adjustments along the way as you have so successfully throughout your career?

 

F. Mayweather         

If you’re basically asking what’s my game plan, my game plan is to win.  That’s actually what my game plan has always been is to win.

 

Q

A lot of the animosity from the Filipino fans towards you is not directed to you as a great boxer, but more as someone who can put an end towards a Filipino hero’s career. Do you honestly believe that you would put an end to a Filipino hero’s career?

 

F. Mayweather         

Well, my thing is this.  I’ve heard that we’re all God’s children, whether you’re American, Filipino, African, Dominican, Asian, we’re all God’s children.  People are going to root for who they want to root for and simple and plain I’m pretty sure I’ve got Filipino fans that like me, and I’m pretty sure that you’ve got some black American fans that like Pacquiao.

 

I never try to focus on anything like that.  My focus is to give the people what they really want to see.  Just facing the facts.  That’s what I’ve done throughout my career.  He’s one of the last guys, he’s one of the last good fighters of this era.  It’s a fight that has to happen, and I’m glad that the fight is happening.

 

Q

How much strength and effort and support from family does it take to get you where you are right now?

 

F. Mayweather         

Well, the support came a lot.  I had a hell of a supporting cast to get to this point, before I became a professional.  There’s this guy that I never talk about to anyone.  I never say anything about him to anyone.  And he’s doing extremely badly right now, not financially but health-wise.  I believe he’s lost his memory, which hurts extremely bad.  A guy by the name of Frank Brown, I’ve known him since I was the age of three.

 

He has supported me more than anyone.  He has always said that, “Floyd, one day you will be the best fighter in the world.”  He’s always taking me to church, taking me through different activities.  He was like a grandfather to me.  Frank Brown.  When I used to fight, he would drive anywhere.  It could be in Little Rock, Arkansas.  He would drive from Grand Rapids, Michigan to come support me.  He would sit in the room with me and say prayers with me.

 

He’s a guy that I would never forget, because he was there from the age of three until after I fought De La Hoya, because he’s up there in age now.  He eventually lost his memory, so he’s at a home.  He’s at an old folks’ home.  It really hurts, but I love that guy so much.  I think about him all the time.

 

K. Swanson  

Okay, that’s our last question.  Thank you, everybody, for joining us.  Floyd, any final comments?

 

F. Mayweather         

I just want to tell everybody, thank you for all the stories, and all the articles you guys wrote.  Thank you so much.  My team appreciates you all, as well as myself.  Thank you.

 

*          *          *

 

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 HBO Pay-Per-View® and SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.
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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.
boxing, HBO Boxing, Showtime Boxing

Will Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Live up to the Hype?

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By: Rich Bergeron

Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. (47-0, 26 KOs) and Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs) are set to clash on May 2nd, 2015 in one of the most hyped fights in boxing history. This fight is so huge they are even planning to sell tickets to the weigh-in due to crowd control issues. The proceeds will not be going to the promoters or the boxers, though. It all goes to charity. Still, this is a first for the state of Nevada, which traditionally requires that all weigh-ins be free of charge for fans to attend.

The level of anticipation surrounding this fight had a long time to build up. For the better part of the last decade, these two pound-for-pound juggernauts could not make this fight happen for one ridiculous reason after another. As someone who personally attended some of Mayweather’s public workouts in Vegas, I can attest to the fact that the undefeated welterweight champion repeatedly and relentlessly cited Pacquiao’s refusal to undergo Olympic style blood testing when asked about the attempts being made to get this fight signed over five years ago.

Mayweather even came up with a little rap lyric to express the issue in simple terms:

“If you wanna fight the best, you gotta take the test,” he belted out during a sit-up session at one of those open workouts.

Pacquiao changed his tune on the testing and overcame the biggest hurdle of all when he met personally with Mayweather and agreed that he would be the “B” side and should therefore get a smaller split of the purse. As the video above outlines, Mayweather was then able to dominate the negotiation process.

Although pundits still say this fight will be the biggest in the history of the sport, the question must be asked if this pairing is happening too late in the careers of both fighters for it to be as exciting as some experts predict it will be.

It was always clear to me this fight would happen, but it became obvious that the longer it took to sign the contracts, the better Floyd’s chances of winning would be. Still, Floyd did admit in 2012 that the real reason he didn’t want to fight Pacquiao was due to health concerns. He denied being scared, calling himself “smart” for thinking about his family and his health first. Still, he insisted that the main reason his health would be at risk in that fight was if Pacquiao was really doing steroids, as Mayweather alleged and ended up being sued over. The two settled out of court and the fight is now imminent, so some fans think it’s all water under the bridge. Others are just plain aggravated that we had to wait this long for this bout to come to fruition.

Boxing Legend Marvin Hagler even commented recently that Mayweather waited until Pacquiao aged a little more before signing to fight him. Hagler compared Mayweather’s tactics to Sugar Ray Leonard waiting until Hagler became a little “soft” himself before they signed their fight contract. That bout turned out to be hugely controversial and left Hagler extremely bitter about the sport that made him famous.

So, the May-Pac fight will happen, and Mayweather is the obvious favorite.  To learn more about the gambling side of this story, check out Boxing betting at William Hill site. The biggest payoff for any lucky bettor will be a successful bet on Pacquiao, but it’s easy to wonder if Pacquiao really is too old to win this time out. After all, there are tons of concerns with Manny’s calf muscles seizing up, and he reportedly uses a healing cream that costs thousands of dollars per bottle to address the problem.

Mayweather (38) is actually the older fighter, but the 36-year-old Manny’s fought 17 more bouts in the pro ranks and will likely be the most active puncher “Money” ever faced. Mayweather’s normally spectacular and overwhelming defensive prowess just might be tested.

This fight may not be worth every penny you spend on tickets or the Pay-Per-View feed, but the fact that it is finally happening is still special. It will still be a fight boxing fans everywhere around the world can enjoy and appreciate. It’s ultimately up to the fighters to prove they are both up to the task of making sure this fight lives up to expectations. Chances are, Floyd will do his best to leave the MGM Grand with an uneventful decision win. Let’s just hope Pacquiao has enough left in the tank to make sure this is the most competitive fight Mayweather’s ever been in. It may not be the most opportune time for this fight to happen, but it’s a lot better to get it late than never.

boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

ISHE SMITH TO HEADLINE “SIN CITY SHOWDOWN” WHEN HE BATTLES CECIL MCCALLA AT THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT ON APRIL 30 LIVE ON A SPECIAL THURSDAY NIGHT EDITION OF ESPN FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS

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 Tickets Are On Sale Now!

 

LAS VEGAS (April 17, 2015) – Just two days before the historic showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather Promotions will give boxing fans a special treat on Cinco De Mayo weekend when they present the “Sin City Showdown” on Thursday, April 30 headlined by former world champion Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith (26-7, 12 KOs) taking on the hard-fighting Cecil McCalla (20-1, 7 KOs) live on a special Thursday edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort.

 

In the evening’s co-main event welterweight contender Ashley “The Treasure” Theophane (37-6-1, 11 KOs) will battle Mahonri Montes (29-4-1, 20 KOs). Also featured in televised action is exciting knockout artist Ronald “The Thrill” Gavril (11-1, 9 KOs) duking it out with Eddie Hunter (10-12-2, 3 KOs).

 

Live coverage will begin at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and will also be available through WatchESPN on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One via an affiliated video provider. In addition, ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates will carry the fights live.

 

Further undercard action features a slew of Mayweather Promotions rising stars including Lanell “KO” Bellows (11-1-1 7 KOs) taking on Tyrell Hendrix (11-6-2, 4 KOs), plus  Juan Heraldez (6-0, 5 KOs), Ladarius “Memphis” Miller (6-0, 1 KO) and Kevin “The Second Coming” Newman (1-0-1) competing in separate bouts against opponents to be determined.

 

Tickets for the live event are priced at $104.50, $79.50, $54.50, $29.50 and $19.50, plus applicable fees, are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-944-3200.

 

“Headlining in my hometown of Las Vegas is always a great thrill and I will not disappoint all the people who come out to watch me fight,” said Smith. “I have aspirations of getting another world title belt and this fight is my first step towards getting another opportunity.”

 

“I’m thrilled to get back in the ring and show the world what ‘The Treasure’ is all about,” said Theophane. “This is a tremendous opportunity for me and I am going to make the most of it.”

 

“While the fight the whole world is waiting for takes place Saturday, Mayweather Promotions is extremely pleased to put on a great night of fights at Palms Casino Resort just days before,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Ishe Smith is an accomplished former world champion and Ashley Theophane is an exciting welterweight who always comes to fight.”

 

“We’re thrilled to host another great match with Mayweather Promotions,” said Billy Conn, Vice President of Entertainment and Special Events for The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort. “There’s a lot of excitement in the air for boxing fans and this is a great opportunity to see some amazing fighters leading up to the big fight.”

 

After a long career that saw him go from the world of reality television as a star on “The Contender” to competing at the top level at 154 and 160 pounds, Smith, 36, finally put it all together in 2010, beginning a four-fight winning streak that culminated in a decision win over Cornelius Bundrage for the IBF super welterweight world title in Feb. 2013, becoming the first native Las Vegan to ever win a world title.  He subsequently lost his title on September 14, 2013 by a close split decision to the always-tough Carlos Molina. A knockout victory Ryan Davis gave Smith another title shot as he challenged Erislandy Lara in Dec. 2014. Smith fought well but was beaten by Lara via unanimous decision.

 

After an extended amateur career in which he competed in nearly 100 fights,  McCalla is looking to bounce back from his first career defeat when he battles Smith. He dropped a narrow split-decision in Jan. 2015 to Chris van Heerden but had won his previous 20 bouts to start his pro career. The 30-year-old fights out of Baltimore and will make his Las Vegas boxing debut on April 30.

 

An experienced contender from London but fighting out of Las Vegas, Theophane is looking to build on his current four fight win streak when he enters the ring on April 30. The 34-year-old has been in the ring with many 140 and 147-pound contenders including Danny Garcia and Pablo Cesar Cano, losing by narrow split-decision to both. Most recently he dominated Miguel Zuniga on his way to a unanimous decision in Dec. 2014.

 

Sporting a 55-5 record as an amateur, the heavy-fisted Montes looks to make it back-to-back wins when he takes on Theophane. The 25-year-old is experienced beyond his years as he has fought frequently since turning pro in 2006. He earned a shot at former world champion Humberto Soto in 2013 but dropped the bout by unanimous decision. Most recently the fighter out of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico defeated previously undefeated Diego Cruz in Oct. 2014.

 

A threat to deliver a big knockout every time he enters the ring, Gavril hopes to bounce back from his first professional loss when he battles Hunter. The 28-year-old dropped a close decision to longtime contender Elvin Ayala on March 28 but had previously won nine of his first 11 pro fights by knockout. Born in Romania, but fighting out of Las Vegas, Gavril looks to get back on the right track on April 30.

 

The 28-year-old Hunter has lost his last three fights but has certainly faced tough competition having battled undefeated fighters in 13 of his pro fights. Fighting out of Seattle, Hunter will look to pull off an upset on April 30 in Las Vegas.

 

For more information follow on Twitter @MayweatherPromo, @PearlAtPalms and @ESPN and follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, Facebook.com/ESPN and Facebook.com/PalmsPearl.

boxing, HBO Boxing, Showtime Boxing

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.