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Tag Archives: MGM Grand
Floyd Mayweather & André Berto Memezela SHOWTIME PPV UMCIMBI ezenzekayo MHLAKA, SEPTEMBER 12 AT THE MGM ESEWONKE ENSIMINI ARENA Las Vegas
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Floyd Mayweather TO NAKHO André Berto MHLAKA, Sept. 12 AT MGM ESEWONKE ENSIMINI ARENA LIVE ON SHOWTIME PPV®
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Mayweather vs. PACQUIAO PREMIERES THIS SATURDAYON SHOWTIME®, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO EPILOGUE
Network’s Distinctive And Award-Winning “Epilogue” Episode Focuses
The Spotlight On The Unpredictable Drama Of Fight Week
Click On The Image Below To Watch A Clip Lift: http://s.sho.com/1JmrDZ3
The fourth and final installment of OKUPHAKATHI Mayweather vs. Pacquiao-Isiphetho–premieres lokhu ngoMgqibelo immediately following the SHOWTIME premiere of the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao delayed telecast at 9 p.m. KANYE/PT. In this clip, witness Mayweather and Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach arguing just moments before the fight. And tune in lokhu ngoMgqibelo to witness all the drama and intensity immediately before and after last Saturday’s historic showdown.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER DEFEATS MANNY PACQUIAO BY UNANIMOUS DECISION IN FRONT OF 16,507 FANS AT MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA
Chofoza LAPHA Ukuze ifotho From Stephanie Trapp / Promotions Mayweather
Chofoza LAPHA Ukuze ifotho From Chris Farina / Top Rank
Chofoza LAPHA Ukuze ifotho From Esther Lin / Showtime
Chofoza LAPHA For Photos From Will Hart/HBO
Floyd Mayweather
“Muhle [Manny Pacquiao] is a hell of a fighter. I take my hat off to him. Now I see why he’s one of the guys that are at the pinnacle of the sport of boxing.
“I knew he was going to push it and win some rounds. He had some moments in the fight, but I kept him on the outside, I was a smart fighter. I wasn’t getting hit with a lot of shots until I sat in the pocket, that’s when he would land a lot of shots.
“Sakwenza lokho kwakudingeka sikwenze tonight and I’m truly blessed.
“I’m a calculated fighter, he’s a tough competitor.
“I have to take it off to my dad, without him I wouldn’t be where I’m at.
“He’s a very awkward fighter, so I had to take my time and watch him close.
“All 47 fights before I got to this fight played a major key in my career.
“Manny Pacquiao is a true champion and we both did our best tonight.
“When the history books are written, this fight will have been worth the wait.
“I have one more fight. My last fight is in September and then it’s time for me to hang it up. I’m almost 40 years old now. I’ve been in the sport 19 years and have been a champion for 18 Eminyakeni, I’m truly truly blessed.”
MANNY PACQUIAO
“Kwakuwusuku ukulwa okuhle; Bengicabanga ukuthi ngiyinqobile impi.
“He didn’t do anything. He was always moving outside.
“I got him many times, I saw his punches.
“He was moving around too much, it wasn’t easy throwing punches at him. If he would’ve stayed in one place then I could’ve thrown punches.
“I was cutting him and countering. I wanted to fight.
“I was able to handle his power; he’s not strong like previous opponents like [Anthony] Margarito.
“I thought I was up in the fight, so that’s why I didn’t attack harder in the 11th futhi 12th emahlandla.
“He’s not bigger than me, it’s not about the size. The size doesn’t matter. I’ve fought guys bigger than him and had no problem.”
* * *
Mayweather vs. Pacquiao was a 12-round welterweight world championship unification bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., and 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 futhi Mexico, Phila it Kukholweni. The three-fight pay-per-view telecast was co-produced and co-distributed by SHOWTIME PPV® futhi HBO Khokha-Buka® isiqala at 9 p.m. KANYE/ 6 p.m. PT.
Ukuze ulwazi olunabile, vakashela www.mayweatherpromotions.com,
Mayweather VS. PACQUIAO PAY-PER-VIEW UNDERCARD FIGHTERS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS FROM DAVID COPPERFIELD THEATER AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS
Chofoza LAPHA Ukuze ifotho From Stephanie Trapp / Promotions Mayweather
Chofoza LAPHA Ukuze ifotho Ibhayisikobho Idris Erba / Promotions Mayweather
Chofoza LAPHA Ukuze ifotho From Chris Farina / Top Rank
Chofoza LAPHA For Photos From Will Hart/HBO
Chofoza LAPHA Ukuze ifotho From Esther Lin / Showtime
Las Vegas (April 30, 2015) – Undefeated WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Lion “Earthquake” Santa Cruz, WBO Featherweight World Champion UVasyl Lomachenko, their opponents and non-televised fighters participated Thursday in the undercard final press conference before their respective fights taking place this Saturday, May 2, live on pay-per-view at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
In pay-per-view fights before Floyd “Imali” Mayweather ihlangana Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao in their epic welterweight championship unificiation showdown, the Mexican star Santa Cruz (29-0-1, 17 Kos) will take on fellow Mexican countryman Jose Cayetano (17-3, 8 Kos) in a 10-round featherweight contest and Ukraine’s Lomachenko(3-1, 1 KO) uyovikela ngokumelene Puerto Rico Gamalier Rodriguez (25-2-3, 17 Kos).
The pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by SHOWTIME PPV® futhi HBO Khokha-Buka® isiqala at 9 p.m. KANYE/ 6 p.m. PT.
Also appearing at the press conference were boxers fighting on the non-televised portion of the card: Promising unbeaten Chris “King Young” Pearson (11-0, 9 Kos), ohlangabezana Wathi El Harrak (12-2, 7 Kos) in a 10-round middleweight iziqubu; Okungishaya Jesse Hart (16-0, 13 Kos), who’ll face fellow unbeaten Mike Jimenez (17-0, 11 Kos) in a 10-rounder for the NABO, USBA and NABF Super Middleweight titles, power-punching Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (9-0, 9 Kos), who will be opposed by Anthony Caputo Smith (15-4, 10 Kos) in a cruiserweight eight-rounder and undefeated super middleweight Brad uSolomoni (24-0, 9 Kos), ohlangabezana Adrian Rene Granados (13-3, 9 Kos) in a 10-round scrap.
Here is what the fighters and executives said Thursday at the Copperfield Theater at the MGM Grand:
LEO Santa Cruz
“I’m more than excited to be on this undercard. This is the biggest card I could have been on. I want to show the whole world who I am.
“I prepared very hard for this fight, like I always do. It’s going to be a historic night and I’m happy to be a part of that history.
“I know that everybody is here for Mayweather and Pacquiao but there will still be millions seeing me fight and I want to show them who Leo Santa Cruz is so that I can get a lot more fans.
“”I’m still young and there are many more fights to come. The fights the fans want, we’re going to give it to them. I know those fights are going to happen.
“I want to look spectacular and I want to get Cayetano out of there really fast. Sometimes these kind of fighters are the ones who give you the hardest fights because they come hungrier and have nothing to lose.
“Seeing my family here and having them in the arena on fight night is a huge motivation for me. I feel happier and more relaxed and I’m ready.
“I never underestimate a fighter. Any fighter in the ring is dangerous. I hope that Cayetano is ready so that we can give the fans a great show.”
JOSE CAYETANO
“I know that Leo Santa Cruz is a strong, difficult fighter but he also has weaknesses and that is what we prepared for, to give him a surprise.
“I’m a man that takes challenges and I’ve been preparing very hard, I’m always prepared for these types of fights. I’m very prepared and I feel very strongly that I will win.
“I came here for the opportunity to beat Leo Santa Cruz and for the opportunity to participate in such a grand event that is Mayweather vs. Pacquiao.
“I’m very happy and very grateful and very excited to get into the ring. It’s a huge commitment, the entire world will be watching me but that is why I accepted the fight, I know that if I beat him, bigger and better opportunities will come my way.
“I’m not nervous because it’s not the first time that I’ve faced a tough opponent. I’ve never faced a world champion but I’ve faced opponents that throw hard punches, so I’m not nervous, I’m excited.”
VASYL LOMACHENKO
“This is an opportunity to show everyone what I’m capable of doing and for millions of viewers to see that I can do it.
“The best fighters get the best opportunities in the ring, there are a lot of great fighters getting those opportunities including myself.
“It’s always a good feeling when people are saying good things about you.
“I’m very excited to be involved in a bout such as this one, May 2 will be a big show shown around the world. I’m very happy to be in the opening bout for this huge fight.”
GAMALIER RODRIGUEZ
“I’m looking forward to this big fight ngomgqibelo. It’s a blessing to participate in this type of press conference and come Saturday, I uyosibonisa! I’m sure of it. I will be champion.
“All of the attention toward Vasyl Lomachenko gives me motivation. I’ve been a fighter and a boxer since I was young and it’s added motivation to come out on top this weekend.
“I know that Lomachenko is a good and technical fighter but it doesn’t compare to my hunger and drive to be world champion.
“I wanted to take the opportunity during my speech at the press conference to let everyone know that I can here to fight. It’s going to be a hard fought battle and I’m very confident that I’ll win and become the champion this Saturday.”
Leonard ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“I am so excited to be here today to discuss the great undercard which will be the lead-in to our long awaited, history making event taking place this Saturday night.
“The lead-in fight for Mayweather vs. Pacquiao will be a very exciting fight featuring Leo Santa Cruz and Jose Cayetano.
“Leo Santa Cruz is one of the classiest gentleman in the sport. He’s a very fan-friendly fighter and a Mexican warrior. He represents Mexico very well.”
BOB ARUM, Hall of Fame Umthuthukisi, Top Rank
“I know that every fighter deems it a tremendous honor to be part of this great event. We hope and believe that we will be presenting to the public through Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank, the best of boxing and the best fighters.
“Vasyl Lomachenko is considered to be the greatest amateur fighter of all time. Manje, he looks for the same type of success he had as an amateur in the professional ranks. But this will be a very competitive fight, because Gamalier Rodriguez is a Puerto Rican who comes to fight and believes that he can upset Vasyl.
“A lot of the young men up here believe they are the next big thing in boxing, and many will be. But I know that Vasyl Lomachenko will be a big superstar in the sport of boxing.”
* * *
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 futhi Mexico, Phila it Kukholweni.
Ukuze ulwazi olunabile, vakashela www.mayweatherpromotions.com,
FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND MANNY PACQUIAO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS FROM KÀ THEATRE AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS
"Mayweather VS. Pacquiao "
Lokhu Saturday, May 2, Phila on Pay-Per-Buka
Chofoza LAPHA Ukuze ifotho Ibhayisikobho Idris Erba / Promotions Mayweather
Chofoza LAPHA Ukuze ifotho From Stephanie Trapp / Promotions Mayweather
Chofoza LAPHA Ukuze ifotho From Chris Farina / Top Rank
Chofoza LAPHA For Photos From Will Hart/HBO
Chofoza LAPHA Ukuze ifotho From Esther Lin / Showtime
Las Vegas (April 29, 2015) - Floyd "Imali" Mayweather futhi Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao faced off for only the third time Wednesday during the final press conference for their long-awaited welterweight world championship unification fight this Saturday, May 2, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, live on pay-per-view.
The last time the boxing superstars met face-to-face was at the Los Angeles press conference to formally announce the mega-fight on March 11. The first time they were photographed up close and personal came at a Miami Heat basketball game in January.
In the most eagerly awaited showdown in years – and the richest fight in boxing history — the undefeated and universally recognized No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer Mayweather (47-0, 26 Kos), an 11-time world champion in five weight divisions, will take on the fighting pride of the Philippines, Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 Kos), the only boxer to capture world titles in eight weight classes.
Here is what the fighters and executives said Wednesday at the KÀ Theatre at the MGM Grand:
Floyd Mayweather
“The only thing I can do is take it one day at a time. When the fight gets here I will go out there and do what I do best and that’s go out and fight.
“From the beginning of my career, I’ve always had a game plan. It’s just like chess. We make calculated moves in the ring and outside the ring. I got with the right team and surrounded myself with the right chess pieces.
“I’m a lot wiser than I once was. This fight sells itself. Our ultimate goal was to get to this point, whether it was Manny or another fighter.
“I don’t take anything away from Manny Pacquiao. He’s a solid fighter; a solid competitor and it will be an intriguing matchup come Saturday.
“Everything takes time, it’s all about timing. I’m glad that we had patience and didn’t rush. The time is now, this is the right time for this fight.
“I want to thank all the writers for being here. Some have been around since I was 10-years-old, some have been here for my 19 years in this sport. I’m thankful for all the writers, whether the stories were good stories or bad, you guys kept me relevant for 19 Eminyakeni.
“This fight is about one fighter who is at the top fighting another fighter who is at the top. It’s about giving you guys excitement. We don’t know how this fight is going to play out, but I believe in my skills. I believe I am going to be victorious.
“When I went to training camp I worked extremely hard to win this fight and I’m pretty sure Manny did the same. That’s why this is an intriguing matchup.”
MANNY PACQUIAO
“I don’t have a prediction, but I’m excited. I’m confident and I feel for the first time that I’m ready for the fight.
"I’m so happy because that feeling and that focus that I had many years ago, ubuyile. I’m confident and relaxed.
“My love and eagerness for this fight has made me especially interested.
“I would like to invite everyone to witness the great fight between Floyd and I this Saturday.
“I want to be an example and inspiration to people.
“Before I became a boxer, I used to sleep on the street. I can’t believe that I am in this position. The boy who didn’t have food and slept on the street can have this life.
“On Saturday our goal is to make the fans happy with our performance. Both of us will work very hard to entertain the fans and give a good fight.
“I hope that both Floyd and I do our best on Saturday and to put our name in boxing history.
“The most important thing I hope for is that after the fight I can talk with Floyd about being an inspiration to people all around the world.”
Floyd Mayweather SR., Baba Mayweather sika & Trainer
“Whatever happens on Saturday, it’s going to be one-sided. Pacquiao is going to sleep.
“I’m a trainer, I know what’s going on with fighters. Pacquiao doesn’t have it.
“Everybody can say what they want to say. I’ve said it before, Pacquiao can’t punch. I’m not worried about it. I’m going to have Floyd walk him down.”
Freddie Roach, Trainer Pacquiao sika
“When this fight was announced, Manny’s training level went way up. He’s really excited about this fight.
“I think we will win a decision and outpoint this guy. If the knockout comes then that will be a bonus.
“I think Manny likes to be the underdog. We like pulling upsets and doing things we’re not supposed to do. Manny is going to be that guy.
“We will put a lot of pressure on Floyd. Manny likes to exchange and with his hand speed, this fight will go in our favor.
“Manny is reckless, but that’s his style. He tries to win fights and people enjoy his fights. He gives it his all and sometimes you get knocked out, that’s part of boxing.”
Leonard ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“The worldwide attention and interest in this event has been unbelievable and Floyd and Manny deserve it.
“Las Vegas has a rich history of hosting the biggest and best fights in the sport. Over the years Floyd Mayweather has made the MGM his home. This will be his 11th consecutive fight at MGM Grand and the 14th in his career.
“There are two great fighters that will be fighting on Saturday night and the focus needs to be on the fighters, no one else. The focus is on the fighters on Saturday night.
“On May 2, Floyd faces another huge challenge in fellow world champion Manny Pacquiao, in a fight that the whole world is waiting to see. Once again Floyd is out to prove that he is The Best Ever and I know he will on Saturday night.”
BOB ARUM, Hall of Fame Umthuthukisi, Top Rank
“This is a great promotion with two great fighters. I hope that this fight will help elevate the rest of boxing. I think based on the interest in this fight, there has been increased interest in boxing as well, and that’s great.
“People have spent a lot of time during this event watching Manny train, but more importantly, watching Freddie teach. It’s great to see two guys on the same wavelength, working on the strategy and then working it out in the ring.”
Ken HERSHMAN, President, HBO Sports
“The journey to this fight has been a remarkable one. In addition to the great writing and reporting that all the media has been doing, HBO has been putting on terrific programs for fight fans to enjoy and bring them closer to the sport.
“One important note for everyone, please order the pay-per-view Saturday night early, or if possible today or tomorrow. We expect that the ordering systems will be overwhelmed. Futhi, there will be two undercard events starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT and those events can end at any time. We want to make sure that no one misses any of the main event. Tune-in and tune-in early.”
USTEFANU Espinoza, Executive Vice President and Manager Jikelele, Showtime Sports
“This event is about two world-class athletes, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, who have been working for weeks and weeks, all of their lives really, to get to this precise moment.
“These two fighters have worked their entire lives to get to this moment.
“Floyd and Manny have great teams. Floyd will be the first one to tell you that his team deserves a lot of the credit for his success and I’ve heard Manny say very similar things.
“What makes this event so special and so historic, is that we have two once-in-a-generation athletes who will be meeting in the ring in about 72 amahora. We are so proud to have been given the opportunity to be a part of such a highly anticipated event.”
RICHARD IZULU, President of Entertainment & Ezemidlalo for MGM Resorts International
“It is an honor for the MGM Resorts to house this highly anticipated event. Sports fans around the world will have the unique opportunity to watch two of boxing’s top champions, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, as they go toe-to-toe at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
“Excitement for this event has resonated throughout our MGM Resorts properties and the entire Las Vegas community.
“We have created additional programming at the resorts including closed circuit viewing that gives fans the chance to experience MGM’s great championship fights.
“We just want to thank everybody involved in this great event. We’re excited, we’re proud and we can’t wait for Saturday night.”
* * *
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 futhi Mexico, Phila it Kukholweni. The three-fight pay-per-view telecast is co-produced and co-distributed by SHOWTIME PPV® futhi HBO Khokha-Buka® isiqala at 9 p.m. KANYE / 6 p.m. PT.
Ukuze ulwazi olunabile, vakashela www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com, www.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing futhi www.mgmgrand.com bese ulandela ku-twitter ku- @floydmayWeather, MannyPacquiaomayweatherpromo, TRBoxing, SHOSports, HBOboxing FuthiSwanson_Comm, futhi abe fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/TRBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOsports futhiwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.
Mayweather vs. Pacquiao In-Depth Preview and Analysis
By: Tony Penecale
Find Tony on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TornadoTP
FINALLY!!!! After six years of arguing, negotiating, finger-pointing, and the real possibility that it would never happen, the long-awaited superfight between Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. and Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is finally about to happen. There is a possibility of grossing upwards of $300 million between them, easily the richest event in sports history. Mayweather is set to make $180 million. He would earn $15 million per round, $5 million per minute, & $83,333.33 per second. Pacquaio would make $120 million and would earn $10 million per round, $3,333,333.33 per minute, & $55,555.56 per second. Las Vegas is a gambling town, and after years of bluffing, raising the ante, and calling each other out, both fighters have put all their chips in. Their legacies are on the table. Manje, it’s time to see who is really holding the Aces when they step in the ring.
IMINYAKA, IREKHODI, KANYE Stats
Mayweather: Age: 38 ubudala
Record: 47-0 (26 Knockouts)
Height: 5’8”
Isisindo: 146 * * Isisindo for iziqubu last (9-13-14)
Bafinyelele: 72"
Pacquiao: Age: 35 ubudala
Record: 57-5-2 (38 Knockouts)
Height: 5’6”
Isisindo: 144 ** Isisindo for iziqubu last (11-20-14)
Bafinyelele: 67"
Ring AZIFEZILE
Mayweather:
1996 Olympic Bronze Medalist
WBC Super Featherweight Champion (’98-’02)
WBC Esilula Champion (’02-’04)
Ring Magazine Lightweight Champion (’02-’04)
WBC Junior Welterweight Champion (’05-’06)
IBF Welterweight Champion (’06)
WBC Welterweight Champion (’06-‘07)
WBC Junior middleweight Champion (’07)
WBA Junior middleweight Champion (’12)
WBC Welterweight Champion (’11-Pres)
Ring Magazine Welterweight Champion (’06-‘07)
Ring Magazine Pound-4-Pound #1 Boxer (’05-’07, ’12-Pres)
Pacquiao:
WBC Flyweight Champion (’98-‘99)
IBF Super Bantamweight Champion (’01-’03)
WBC Super Featherweight Champion (’08)
WBC Esilula Champion (‘08)
IBO Junior Welterweight Champion ('09)
WBO Welterweight Champion (’09-‘12)
WBO Welterweight Champion ('14 -Pres)
Ring Magazine Pound-4-Pound #1 Boxer (’08-‘12)
Ring Magazine Pound-4-Pound #4 Boxer (Pres)
SITAYELA
Mayweather:
A pure boxer with great speed who does everything well with an arsenal that includes a snapping jab, accurate right hand and a left hook that can be doubled and tripled with tremendous effect. Uses feint moves to freeze opponents and open punching lanes. Tucks his chin well behind his shoulder to roll with punches. Even on the ropes, he is a difficult target to land a solid punch on. He doesn’t have great punching power. Most of his stoppage victories come from outpunching and outclassing his opponents but rarely scoring clean knockouts.
Pacquiao:
Pacquiao boxes from a southpaw stance, moving forward and bobbing and feinting his way in. Once in close, he uses his right hand to find the range and then unleashes his powerful left, either straight or looping, and he will often double and triple it to the body and head. Uses quick head shifts to slip punches while moving forward. Has soundly developed under the tutelage of Freddie Roach, developing a decent right hook, either as a lead punch or thrown behind the left. Uses quick head shifts to slip punches while moving forward. Is no longer the feared finisher he once was earlier in his career.
AMAKHONO
Mayweather:
* Experience – Boxing is in Mayweather’s blood, and he’s been involved in the sport since his childhood. Completed an extensive amateur career by winning the bronze medal in the ’96 Olympic Games. He has been competing successfully on a championship level for the past 17 Eminyakeni, facing and defeating fighters with a variety of styles.
* Conditioning – Mayweather is a fitness freak with an amazing work ethic when it comes to training. Few fighters push themselves as much as Mayweather does in the gym, even doing midnight training sessions. It is evident in the ring when his stamina carries him in the late rounds.
* Ring Generalship – Mayweather knows every inch of the ring and how to control a fight. He knows when to attack, when to box, when to turn up the heat, and when to coast. Mayweather owns the ring when he is in there. Even the rare times when he has been stunned in fights, he was able to quickly settle down and quell the threat.
Pacquiao:
* Unorthodox Style – Pacquiao is very unorthodox, even for a southpaw. He moves straight in but is hard to time with his bobbing and head feints. Before most opponents can time his onrushes, he is throwing whirlwind punches from a variety of angles.
* Speed – Pacquiao is fleet of foot and the owner of very fast hands, especially for a boxer with such considerable power. He quickly moves into position and fires rapid one-two combinations. He’s expanded his arsenal to include blinding combinations of hooks, uppercuts, and double or triple left hands.
* Stamina – Pacquiao is always in tremendous shape and fights just as hard in the last round as he does in the first. He applies a ton of pressure and is constantly punching, wearing opponents down in the process.
UBUTHAKATHAKA
Mayweather:
* Aging – Mayweather may have an unblemished record, but Father Time has never been defeated. Mayweather has been more flat-footed in recent bouts. His first encounter with Marcos Maidana was a rough and tumble affair where Mayweather looked very ordinary. The rematch was more definitive but unimpressive.
* Distractions – Maweather loves to be in the public eye and never shies away from controversy. Most notably are his public disputes and reconciliations with his father and trainer, Floyd Mayweather, Senior. The most recent camp turbulence came in the form of a training camp dispute between Floyd Sr. and Alex Ariza, working as the strength and conditioning coach. A non-harmonious training camp could lead to unnecessary distractions.
* Punching Power – Most of Mayweather’s stoppage wins came from an accumulation of punches. The usual result is the referee or opposing corner stopping the bout to prevent further punishment. Notwithstanding his controversial and explosive knockout of Victor Ortiz, it is rare to see Mayweather finish a bout with one punch, dating all the way back to his days as a 130-pounder.
Pacquiao:
* Killer Instinct – Pacquiao was once regarded as a ruthless buzzsaw, cutting through opponents until they succumbed. He has since lost that edge, failing to win a fight by stoppage since 2009. More of a concern is that on several occasions he eased up on outclassed opponents, allowing them to survive the last few rounds.
* Trouble with Counterpunchers – Pacquiao is an aggressive, offense-first fighter who will freely throw punches, but he can be timed and is often open to be hit with counters. Juan Manuel Marquez gave him fits with movement and counter punches, even scoring a spectacular knockout over Pacquiao with a perfectly-timed counter right hand.
* Age – Pacquiao is no longer the phenomenon he was in his 20s. He is now in his mid-30s. As he has physically aged, he has also taken on a super human schedule with political aspirations in his home country, numerous personal appearances, and several difficult bouts.
Iziqubu ODLULE
Mayweather:
(09-13-14) Mayweather neutralized and outboxed Marcos Maidana in a rematch from their closer-than-expected bout from four months prior. While the action was sparse, it was a case of Mayweather using his superior skills and intelligence to thwart his aggressive but limited opponent.
Pacquiao:
(11-20-14) Pacquiao won a dominating unanimous decision over the game but vastly inexperienced Chris Algieri. Pacquiao was in control from the start and scored a total of six knockdowns, somehow failing to score the knockout some experts thought he needed to be in position for the Mayweather fight to happen.
THREE BEST PERFORMANCES
Mayweather:
* Diego Corrales (1/20/01) – Experts were torn on who to pick in this one with many leaning towards Corrales to win by KO. Mayweather never let him in the bout, knocking him down five times before the referee halted the bout in the 10th round.
* Arturo Gatti (6/25/05) – Although Mayweather was a solid betting favorite, many expected Gatti to make things rough for Mayweather. It never happened, as Mayweather floored Gatti in the first round and dealt out a severe beating before Gatti’s corner stopped the bout after six one-sided rounds.
* Ricky Hatton (12/8/07) – Hatton was undefeated coming into the bout and set a gameplan of constant pressure to wear out Mayweather. After a few uncomfortable rounds, Mayweather was able to find his range and take over, flooring Hatton twice in the 10th round and forcing a stoppage.
Pacquiao:
* Oscar De la Hoya (12/06/08) – It’s hard to imagine now, but the consensus at the time was that De la Hoya would destroy the smaller Pacquiao in a landslide. It was a landslide, but it was Pacquiao dishing out the beating, ripping De la Hoya apart with both hands. After eight one-sided and brutal rounds, a swollen and bloodied De la Hoya was beaten into permanent retirement.
* Miguel Cotto (11/14/09) – Pacquiao impressively dismantled the larger and physically imposing Cotto. Pacquiao dropped the Puerto Rican superstar twice early. From the 6th round on, Pacquiao had Cotto in a defensive shell, battering him until the referee stopped the bout in the 12th round.
* Ricky Hatton (05/02/09) – Pacquio ran through Hatton in fast and destructive fashion. Hatton–while still an underdog–was expected to provide a challenge with his strength and mauling tactics. Pacquiao unveiled an improved right hook and had Hatton down twice in the first round before crushing him with a devastating knockout in the second.
COMMON OPPONENTS
*Oscar De la Hoya
– Mayweather: Split Decision 2007
– Pacquiao: WHO 8th round 2008
*Miguel Cotto
– Mayweather: Unanimous Decision 2013
– Pacquiao: WHO 12th round 2009
*Ricky Hatton
– Mayweather: WHO 10th round 2007
– Pacquiao: KO 2nd round 2009
* Shane Mosley
– Mayweather: Unanimous Decision 2010
– Pacquiao: Unanimous Decision 2011
* Juan Manuel Marquez
– Mayweather: Unanimous Decision 2009
– Pacquiao: Dweba 2004, Split Decision 2008, Majority Decision 2011,
KO’d 6th round 2012
IZINYATHELO UKUZE Wokunqoba
Mayweather:
* Get Pacquiao’s respect early, timing his rushes, and hitting him with straight right hands.
* Use clinches to smother Pacquiao and thwart any offensive momentum.
* Do not try to trade punches with Pacquiao.
Pacquiao:
* Use feints to get Mayweather to make the first move.
* Don’t aim strictly at Mayweather’s head. Focus on the body, arms, and torso?
* Do not let Mayweather control the tempo.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
* Can the fight live up to the hype? Unless this turns out to be Hagler-Hearns, Gatti-Ward, and Ali-Frazier all rolled up into one, it will be nearly impossible to live up to the hype that has surrounded this match-up for over six years. The hype might be inflated and overbearing, but it can still be entertaining.
* Is the fight happening too late? Both fighters are in their late 30s. While these two phenoms are still elite competitors, they are past their primes. Even so, instances of fighters past their primes matching up perfectly and turning in an epic encounter have occurred on several occasions.
* Who has the most to lose? Mayweather without a doubt has the most to lose. Pacquiao is an icon in his home country, so no matter what happens, he will remain a beloved figure. Mayweather is boasting about himself as “The Best Ever” and relishes his undefeated record. He even said recently that he’s better than Muhammad Ali was. A loss obliterates the “0” on Mayweather’s record and will provide more fodder for the argument that he is not even the best of his generation.
* How will their styles match up? It figures to be a classic boxer vs puncher match-up. Mayweather is a consummate strategist. He is a master of figuring out his opponents, frustrating them, and setting up counter punches. Pacquiao will press the action, try to overwhelm, breaking through Mayweather’s defense with a high volume of punches. It will be a clash of Quantity against Quality. Pacquiao will throw more punches, more punches than anybody has ever thrown against Mayweather. Mayweather will throw less but land at a higher connect rate, with sharp counter punches.
* What are the chances of a Knockout? Pacquiao is known as the better puncher, but he has failed to score a stoppage victory since battering Miguel Cotto in 2009. Mayweather has scored only one stoppage victory since 2007 against the weak-chinned Victor Ortiz. The two most likely scenarios for a knockout win would either be Pacquiao becoming reckless and leaving himself open to Mayweather’s straight right hand or Mayweather suddenly becoming an old fighter and wilting under Pacquiao’s relentless pressure. Likely, this fight will go to the scorecards.
* Will the officials factor into the conclusion? Kenny Bayless has been assigned as the referee and is regarded as one of the best in boxing. He has worked as the referee in six previous Pacquiao fights and four previous Mayweather bouts. The only backlash he received from those ten total bouts was the Mayweather-Maidana rematch where he was criticized for breaking up the inside clinches too quickly, seemingly favoring Mayweather against the mauling style of Maidana. With Mayweather naturally bigger than Pacquiao, breaking up clinches quickly (especially if Pacquiao has any momentum) would serve more as a disadvantage to Mayweather. The judges are Burt Clements, Dave Moretti, both veteran officials in Las Vegas, and Glenn Feldman, based out of Connecticut. Moretti has worked nine Mayweather bouts and six Pacquiao bouts. Clements has worked three Mayweather bouts and one Pacquiao bout. Feldman has only worked one Mayweather bout early in his career.
* What happens next? If the fight turns out to be entertaining, close, or controversial, a rematch is possible depending on the outcome.
If Mayweather wins, he is 48-0 and can walk away from Pacquiao and seek a different challenge for his final fight. He could even seek a possible move up to grab a title at middleweight and another superfight with the next big sensation Gennady Golovkin.
If Pacquiao wins, a rematch is almost a given, especially with so much money on the table.
A draw would also most likely force a rematch for the final fight of Mayweather’s career sometime in September.
PENECALE sibikezelo
The anticipation as the fighters make their way to the ring will be electric. The growing crescendo of excitement will continue through the introductions with Mayweather sporting a confident smirk and Pacquaio fixated with an icy glare.
The waiting will be over when the bell rings and both fighters come out to the center of the ring. Mayweather will be moving to his left, rolling his hands and probing with a soft jab. Pacquiao will be like a coiled spring, bouncing back and forth and feinting with his jab. Pacquiao will throw a few wild left hands that Mayweather backs away from, his back hitting the ropes as he slides away to his right. The round will end without anything conclusive landing for either fighter, making it difficult to score.
Pacquiao will look to increase the pace in the second round and outwork Mayweather. While Mayweather is the center of the ring, he will dictate the pace and the action, keeping Pacquiao limited to throwing one punch at a time. When Pacquiao is able to cut the ring off and back Mayweather to the ropes, he will unleash combinations. The flurries for the most part won’t land, but the work rate will stir the crowd into a frenzy.
Pacquaio will continue the high volume of punches through the 3rd futhi 4th rounds until Mayweather lands a right hand while their feet are tangled, causing Pacquiao to sprawl to the canvas. He will protest while Bayless administers the count, but he will not be hurt. Mayweather will smile and move in, throwing a few right hands, truly seeing if Pacquiao is stunned. Pacquiao will respond with his own vicious left hand, bringing the crowd to their feet as the bell rings.
Mayweather will again box cautiously starting the 5th round, staying on the outside and pivoting away when Pacquiao gets close. The fight will resemble a cat and mouse affair with Pacquiao trying to corner Mayweather and Mayweather trying to bait him into making a mistake. Pacquiao will be the aggressor, throwing far more punches. Mayweather will be timing him with single counter punches throughout the 6th futhi 7th emahlandla.
A sharp left hand by Pacquiao in the 8th round will startle Mayweather and cause blood to leak from his nose. Pacquiao will try to press the advantage and unleash another torrent of punches. Mayweather will pull away against the ropes, and Pacquiao will focus his attention to the body with a combination of punches to the chest and shoulder, forcing Mayweather to clinch and break the momentum.
Mayweather will get up on his toes in the 9th round, using lateral movement to keep Pacquiao from setting his feet and unleashing more than one punch at a time. Pacquiao will step in with a few lefts that are blocked, but Mayweather’s movement will keep him from throwing any follow-up punches. As Mayweather slips out, he will land his own counter punches, making it another difficult round to score.
Throughout the 10th futhi 11th emahlandla, Mayweather will execute a plan to counter Pacquiao with single punches and avoid most of his counter flurries. Pacquiao will step in with a hard left to the body, forcing a Mayweather clinch. When the action resumes, Pacquiao will look to attack the body again, only to be met with a straight right hand over the top.
The final round in a very close bout will see Mayweather neutralizing Pacquiao’s rushes, landing single counter punches and pivoting away from danger, sharpshooting from the outside. Pacquiao will desperately try to corner Mayweather but he won’t allow it, moving on the outside and clinching in close, bringing an anticlimactic ending as the final bell rings.
It will take several minutes for the scorecards to be tabulated, with the consensus believing Mayweather won 7 emahlandla, including a knockdown. Pacquaio will pray in his corner while Mayweather smiles and laughs with his entourage.
The decision will be as follows. Glen Feldman will score the bout 114-113 for Pacquaio. Burt Clements will score 115-112 for Mayweather. Dave Moretti will score the bout a very curious 115-112 for the winner of the biggest superfight of the century…. MANNY “PACMAN” PACQUIAO!!!!
With the decision announced, a disgusted Mayweather will demand a rematch before storming out of the ring, setting up another lucrative event in September and a possible trilogy.
FULL NIGHT OF ACTION-PACKED FIGHTS COMING TO THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA SATURDAY, MAY 2
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CBS AND SHOWTIME ANNOUNCE FULL, MULTI-PLATFORM PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE SURROUNDING FLOYD MAYWEATHER vs. MANNY PACQUIAO FIGHT
SHOWTIME Sports Offering More Than A Dozen Hours of First-Run Shoulder Programming Including Documentary Series INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. Pacquiao
I-NEW YORK (April 24, 2015) - Showtime Networks Inc. and parent company CBS Corporation have scheduled a broad range of programming and promotion across the Company’s diverse portfolio of media platforms in anticipation of the showdown between Floyd Mayweather futhi Manny Pacquiao on Saturday, May 2.
Showtime Sports® is anchoring the charge with 13½ hours of first-run shoulder programming, including its acclaimed documentary series OKUPHAKATHI Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, classic fights and a comprehensive offering of digital assets.
Ngaphezu kwalokho, the CBS Television Network will run promotional spots in primetime and late-night programming throughout fight week. This will be supplemented with marketing support and editorial coverage from CBS Sports Digital, significant coverage across CBS Sports Radio and a dozen CBS Radio stations throughout the country, and a robust schedule of shoulder programming and marketing support on CBS Sports Network.
“The Company is uniquely positioned to support an event of this magnitude with media assets across virtually every medium,"Kusho Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and Manager Jikelele, Showtime Sports. “We’re grateful for the company-wide support and look forward to an all-encompassing push leading to May 2 leading into this milestone sports event.”
SHOULDER PROGRAMMING AND PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT WILL INCLUDE:
OKUPHAKATHI Mayweather vs. Pacquiao delivers a unique perspective of the pound-for-pound champion Mayweather in the weeks leading up to the marquee event. The four-part documentary series from SHOWTIME Sports includes the Sports Emmy Award-winning “Epilogue” which shines the spotlight on Fight Week and takes viewers inside the ropes on Fight Night. A full schedule of the four-part series is detailed below.
CBS Television Network will run Mayweather vs. Pacquiao promos during primetime and late-night throughout Fight Week.
CBS owned and operated television stations throughout the country have been actively engaged in coverage of the event since theMarch 11 kick-off press conference in Los Angeles. These affiliate stations, located in the nation’s top markets, will have access to all the news and footage of fight week through the distribution network of CBS Newspath.
CBS Sports Network will provide live Fight Week coverage from Las Vegas, including the official Weigh-In on Friday, May 1 (6 p.m. KANYE), as well as immediate reaction and analysis following the fight and the post-fight press conference. During the week leading up to the bout, the Network also will air encore presentations of classic Mayweather fights and OKUPHAKATHI Mayweather vs. Pacquiao episodes.
CBS Sports Digital has launched a landing page at CBSSports.com, a one-stop shop for everything Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. The ‘Tier 1’ support from CBS Sports Digital includes static homepage promotions, additional marketing and significant editorial coverage on all digital platforms, including breaking news, commentary and placement of live event streams.
CBS Radio is backing May 2 with stations from 10 of the country’s top markets broadcasting live from MGM Grand, including WFAN in New York, KROQ-FM in Los Angeles, KRLD-FM in Dallas and WIP-FM in Philadelphia. Ukwengeza, CBS Sports Radio’s nationally syndicated “The Doug Gottlieb Show” and (Scott) “Ferrall On The Bench” will be in Las Vegas for Fight Week. “The Doug Gottlieb Show” is simulcast on CBS Sports Network on Friday, May 1.
CBS Radio coverage also includes a special broadcast hosted by WFAN’s No. 1 morning show personalities Boomer and Carton ngomgqibelo prior to the fight from 6-8 p.m. KANYE. The program is available on WFAN, CBS Sports Radio, and select CBS Radio stations nationwide. The special also will be simulcast for television on CBS Sports Network.
CBS Local Digital Media has created a comprehensive array of online audio, video and editorial features to promote the fight which can be experienced across a variety of digital and mobile platforms.
#MayPac:Daily is a daily online show hosted by SHOWTIME Sports personality Mauro Ranallo. The series will deliver the buzz of Fight Week in Las Vegas with special guests from sports and entertainment, insider analysis and more. Taped live from the casino floor at MGM Grand, #MayPac:Daily will be posted nightlyTuesday–Friday on http://www.sho.com/sho/sports/home futhi Youtube.com/shosports.
Ukwengeza, the SHOWTIME Sports digital team is working closely with SnapChat to deliver exclusive content, launching a new boxing blog on TUMBLR called Pound for Pound, and working with Twitter on a unique feature capturing the years of social conversation leading to #MayPac.
Classic Floyd Mayweather fights are being offered across the premium network’s portals, including nightly on SHOWTIME EXTREME, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND and SHOWTIME ANYTIME. Those platforms will also offer the media workouts of Mayweather and Pacquiao and the live stream of the final press conference. Fans can tune-in to the final stare-down between the fighters on Friday, May 1 when SHOWTIME airs WEIGH-IN LIVE: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao.
SHOWTIME Sports also delivers a host of short-form content available across multiple platforms, including original music videos, Mayweather greatest hits, a Spanish web analysis and more.
Below is a sampling of select SHOWTIME programs and air times:
- OKUPHAKATHI Mayweather vs. Pacquiao:
- Episode 2 Premieres Saturday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. KANYE/PT on Showtime.
- Episode 3 Premieres Wednesday, April 29 at 10 p.m. KANYE/PT on Showtime
- Epilogue premieres Saturday, May 9
- WEIGH-IN LIVE: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao: Friday, May 1 at 6 ET/3 PT, bephila Showtime
- Countdown LIVE: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao:Saturday, May 2 at 8 p.m. KANYE/5 p.m. PT, bephila Showtime
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Showtime Networks Inc. (Sni), engxenyeni yakwa-ephethwe of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, FLIX ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Sni futhi ilawula Smithsonian Networks ™, ohlanganyelwayo phakathi sni kanye Smithsonian Institution, alinikela Smithsonian Channel ™. All sni feeds ukunikeza umsindo ngcono usebenzisa Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.