Tag Archives: MGM Grand

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MANNY “PACMAN” PACQUIAO’S HOLLYWOOD MEDIA WORKOUT ATTRACTS RECORD MEDIA TURNOUT!

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Quotables From Notables

Manny Pacquiao, Freddie Roach and Bob Arum

16 Days Before The Fight of the Century      

 

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

LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW

 

Click HERE For Pacquiao Media Day Replay Link

Click HERE For Pacquiao Media Day Video Highlights

 

Click HERE For Mayweather Media Day Video Highlights

 

Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

Click HERE For Photos From Chris Farina/Top Rank

 

Click HERE For Mayweather Photos From Tuesday’s Workout

Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

MANNY PACQUIAO, Eight-Division World Champion

 

“I feel very excited for the fight.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

BOB ARUM, Top Rank CEO

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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


FREDDIE ROACH, Pacquiao’s Hall of Fame Trainer

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

# # #

 

 

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

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* * * VIDEO ALERT * * *

Saturday, April 18 on SHOWTIME® Immediately Following

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Chavez vs. Fonfara

 

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

 

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

Photo Credit: Esther Lin / SHOWTIME

 

# # #

 

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

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

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Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

Click HERE For Photos From Will Hart/HBO

 

Click HERE For Workout Highlight Reel


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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, 11-Time World Champion

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

LEO SANTA CRUZ, WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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


LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

FLOYD MAYWEATHER SR., Mayweather’s Trainer & Father

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

## # #

 

 

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

MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES ADDITION OF  UNDEFEATED MEXICAN SUPERSTAR LEO SANTA CRUZ TO FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. MANNY PACQUIAO PAY-PER-VIEW UNDERCARD

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

TAKES ON AN OPPONENT TO BE DETERMINED

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

* * * VIDEO ALERT * * *   FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. MANNY PACQUIAO OFFICIAL COMMERCIAL LAUNCH AND VIDEO LINK

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Click Here For The Official Commercial Link

 

Short Link: http://s.sho.com/1bU4liB

Credit: Esther Lin/Mayweather vs. Pacquiao

With less than a month to go until the historic championship showdown between 11-time, five-division world champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather and eight-division world champion Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao, the collective marketing team for the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao promotion released the commercial spot today touting the pay-per-view event.

 

This commercial — filmed with both prizefighters in a Los Angeles studio on the evening of March 11 — is a creative collaboration between Mayweather Promotions, Top Rank, SHOWTIME PPV® and HBO Pay-Per-View®. The 30-second spot highlights the anticipation and the great magnitude of this once-in-a-lifetime event. It serves as the lynchpin to an aggressive multi-media marketing campaign that will take place in the next four weeks. The overall Mayweather vs. Pacquiao marketing campaign is expected to receive unprecedented levels of support from pay-per-view providers.

 

The epic showdown takes place Saturday, May 2 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena and will be co-produced and co-distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View and SHOWTIME PPV. The live pay-per-view telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com, www.hbo.com/boxing,www.SHO.com/Sports, and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @HBOboxing, @SHOSports 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/HBOBoxing and facebook.com/ShoBoxing.
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Win A Trip to Las Vegas for Mayweather-Pacquiao

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Enter for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas and two tickets to the megafight between Floyd Mayweather, Jr., and Manny Pacquiao on May 2 at the MGM Grand. The grand prize winner will receive two tickets to the fight, three nights of lodging on the Las Vegas strip and a $700 travel allowance per person.

 

The second place winner will receive a $1000 equipment package from provider Sting and the third place winner will be awarded a $300 USA Boxing apparel package.

 

For just a $10 suggested donation, you can enter our sweepstakes to witness the fight of the century firsthand and support USA Boxing and the United States’ best Olympic-style boxers at the same time.

 

Though a donation is not necessary to enter and it will not improve your chances of winning, don’t miss your chance to win this once in a lifetime experience. Enter now and enter often. The sweepstakes will end onApril 15, 2015.

 

Click here to enter the sweepstakes.

 

See Official Rules for details, including eligibility and entry deadlines.  Void where prohibited.  No purchase or donation is necessary to enter or win.   
boxing, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO CHRONICLE THE MOST ANTICIPATED EVENT OF THE YEAR WITH “INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO”

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Four-Part Documentary Series To Include The Network’s Distinctive And Award-Winning “Epilogue” Episode; Series Premieres Saturday, April 18, Only On SHOWTIME®

 

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(Photo Credit: SHOWTIME)

NEW YORK (March 27, 2015) – SHOWTIME Sports® offers viewers exclusive access to Floyd “Money” Mayweather and the most anticipated event of the year with “INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO,” an intimate four-part documentary series chronicling the life of the perennial pound-for-pound champion as he navigates his collision course with Manny Pacquiao.  Episode 1 premieres on Saturday, April 18 immediately following the liveSHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader featuring Mexican superstar Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

 

INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO delivers a unique perspective of the compelling and popular Mayweather in the weeks leading up to the biggest prizefight of this generation.  In the fourth installment, Epilogue, SHOWTIME Sports focuses the distinct and Sports Emmy Award-winning spotlight on the unpredictable drama of fight week, takes viewers inside the ropes on fight night, and into the mind of the fighter in the aftermath of the bout.

 

“SHOWTIME has set itself apart with its coverage of the biggest fights in boxing and our viewers have come to expect the unique access we provide,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  “INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO will not only welcome viewers into Mayweather’s camp before the fight, but also give viewers a window into those dramatic and often poignant moments immediately before and after this historic fight.”

 

SHOWTIME cameras are entrenched in Mayweather’s camp in the shadow of the bright lights of Las Vegas.  This unparalleled access allows INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO to peel back the curtain on Mayweather’s opulent public persona while revealing the unrelenting pursuit of perfection that propels the undefeated, undisputed champion.

 

From the red carpet spectacle of the kickoff press conference in Los Angeles and the rigors of training camp to the intensity of the weigh-in and the calm dressing room after the final bell, INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO offers an inside-out look at an event that has no rival.

 

Forty-seven fighters have stepped into the ring with Mayweather and all 47 have come away empty.  With complete access to Mayweather and the vast entourage that surrounds and supports him, viewers of INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO come to understand what makes “Money” tick.

 

INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO episodes premiere on SHOWTIME with multiple encore presentations, including the cable television premiere on CBS SPORTS NETWORK.  All episodes of the series will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and online at SHO.com/Sports.

 

Ø  Episode 1 premieres Saturday, April 18 on SHOWTIME, immediately following SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Chavez vs. Fonfara (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

Ø  Episode 2 premieres Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME

Ø  Episode 3 premieres Wednesday, April 29 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.

Ø  Epilogue premieres Saturday, May 9 on SHOWTIME

 

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About Showtime Networks Inc.:

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary 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® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using 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®.

boxing, HBO Boxing, Showtime Boxing

Sky Sports Box Office Will Exclusively show Live Coverage of  Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao on 2 May

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Sky Sports Box Office has been awarded exclusive live rights to ‘the fight of the century’, the welterweight world championship unification clash between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, thanks to an agreement announced today. 

 

The contest, one ofthe most eagerly anticipated events in boxing history, will be shown live from the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

 

The event puts together the two of greatest boxers of all time: Floyd Mayweather (47-0-0) the undefeated 11 time world champion and holder of the WBC and WBA titles, and Manny Pacquiao (57-5-2) the reigning WBO welterweight world champion and winner of 10 world titles.

 

The Sky Sports viewers will be able to follow build-up to Mayweather v Pacquiao across its channels and digital media outlets, including access to both boxers’ training camps, press conferences and public appearances.

 

Barney Francis, Managing Director of Sky Sports, said: “This fight has everything and is set to be one of the biggest sports events of the year.  As the home of boxing in the UK and Republic of Ireland, we’re thrilled to be awarded the rights.

 

“We’ll provide Sky Sports viewers with the best possible build-up across our channels and outlets and the best coverage of the fight itself from our team in Las Vegas.”

 

Analysis of the fight will be provided by Adam Smith, former world cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson and former world lightweight champion Jim Watt, as well as a range of boxing experts.  Sky Sports viewers can also enjoy an extensive schedule of support programming providing the best possible analysis of the fight including the weekly magazine programme Ringside, the Ringside Toe 2 Toe podcast series and feature length interviews.

 

Sky Sports News HQ will be in Las Vegas during the final build-up to bring the latest news and analysis from both camps including the official press conferences, and weigh-in as the two fighters complete their training camps and anticipation reaches fever pitch.

 

The event is part of a packed month of live sport that Sky Sports viewers can enjoy during May.  The schedule includes live coverage of the Barclays Premier League, the Sky Bet Championship and League 1 and 2 Playoffs, Scottish Cup Final, the Spanish and Monaco Grand Prix, golf’s Players Championship from Sawgrass, and rugby league’s Magic Weekend from Newcastle’s St James Park stadium.

 

The cost of the event will be £19.95 and €24.95 across all forms of booking up until midnight Friday 1 May.  From then on the cost will still be £19.95 / €24.95 if bookings are made via remote control and online, but will cost £24.95 / €29.95 if booked via the phone.  Please note an additional £2 booking fee still applies if bookings are made via a telephone agent.  Cable customers please contact your operator for booking information.

 

boxing, HBO Boxing, Showtime Boxing

FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND MANNY PACQUIAO LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS SATURDAY, MAY 2, AT THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW

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Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Chris Farina/Top Rank

 

The Live Stream Replay Can Be Found HERE & HERE

 

LOS ANGELES – (March 13, 2015) – Befitting the unprecedented nature of this mega-fight, a bout that is expected to be the richest in boxing history, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao were given the royal treatment Wednesday at a gala press conference at Nokia Theatre at LA Live.

 

A glitzy, Hollywood–style red carpet-comparable to that of Hollywood’s biggest award shows-was rolled out to welcome the fighters and afford access to more than 700 credentialed media members from around the world.  Among the formidable press core were dozens of television and radio crews and literally hundreds of newspaper columnists, boxing writers, and news, entertainment and sports reporters.  Even the Goodyear Blimp flew above to mark the occasion as the top-two fighters of this generation, Mayweather and Pacquiao, went face-to-face for the first time prior to their epic welterweight world championship unification bout Saturday, May 2, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

 

Promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., 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.

 

Here are what participants from Wednesday’s press conference had to say:

 

Floyd Mayweather

“This fight could’ve happened a long time ago, but it’s the right time now. It’s an unbelievable matchup and I know the fans can’t wait for this. The timing is right and the timing is now.

 

“We finally made it happen. Everything is about timing.

 

“There was no resentment towards (former promoter) Bob Arum, I was just happy to become my own boss after years of working hard and dedicating myself to boxing and also learning the business side of it. With time, I eventually had to become my own boss. There are no hard feelings towards Bob Arum at all.

 

“It’s always good to see the best fight the best, that’s what’s so intriguing about this matchup.

“I think that us meeting after the Miami Heat basketball game, meeting one-on-one, I feel that that is the reason why this fight happened.

 

“It really came down to my team and his team sitting down and communicating, getting on the same page basically.

 

“There is no sense of relief that the fight is made. My focus is just on living my daily life and focusing on what I have to do. I can’t live my life for anyone else.

 

“We have faced all the top guys in this sport and have beaten all the top guys. After this fight, which I believe I will be victorious, then we will move on to another guy.

 

“May 2 we have a tough task ahead of me. Manny Pacquaio is a good fighter, but last time I checked I faced eight southpaws and won eight times, so I am not worried.

 

“You best believe that I will be in top shape and be the best Floyd Mayweather I can possibly be.

 

“It’s always great to get back to the great city of Las Vegas. Lights, camera, action. The MGM Grand is the best hotel on earth. It was always my goal to be fighting there. The first time I went there for a fight was when I was 17, I saw James Toney and Roy Jones.

 

“I have had an unbelievable career. It all started with my father. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be where I am today. When you put all the pieces to the puzzle together, I just feel like I’m the center piece. Every day when I think about my career I don’t regret anything. We will go down in history as some of the best fighters, the fighting Mayweathers.

 

“I hope the fight meets the hype. All we can do as fighters is go out there and perform and do what we do best.

 

“I have nothing to prove on May 2. I know about my skills, I know what I can do and I know what I bring to the sport of boxing. I am truly blessed to have broken all the records in boxing. Right now I don’t see any particular fighter breaking any of my records.

 

“I think that styles make fights, and I think that our two different styles make for an exciting fight.

 

“Any fighter is dangerous. When I face different opponents, I can figure a guy out instantly. I know what he does well and what he doesn’t do well. My job is to find out what he does do well.

 

“If a fighter lost before, losing is in the back of his mind. For me, all I’ve done in my career is win, so winning is always in my mind.

 

“How much money I’m making really isn’t my focus. I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if it wasn’t for all the writers and media outlets. I am thankful for each person, whether it was a good story or bad story. For 19 years, you guys kept me relevant. As far as the money persona, it really has reinvented itself. I was ‘Pretty Boy Floyd’ and then I come back as Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather. It’s all about reinventing yourself. I want to continue making smart investments so my grandkids are OK.

 

” I always have the remedy to do what I have to do to come out on top.

 

“I’m pretty sure my father has a great game plan so we can go out there and do what we do best. Our game plan is to be smart, be first, take our time and get the job done.

 

“I think that Manny Pacquaio is a very interesting fighter. For him to get to where he is now, it’s obvious that he has had to do something right.

 

“No one should have been waiting until I became 47-0 to bet on me, they should’ve been betting on me from the beginning.”

 

Manny Pacquiao:

“I am so happy that this fight has been made, and I know that boxing fans feel the same way.

 

“In Miami we talked about the fight and I understood that I was the B side and he was the A side.

 

“I believe that this fight has been well worth the wait. More people are familiar with us as fighters, even people who aren’t fans of boxing know about this fight.

 

“All the Filipino people are going to watch this fight.

 

“Training camp is going well. We are very happy. I am updating my training each day on my Instagram.

 

“I like being the underdog going into a fight. It has been a while since I’ve been one. This time around it gives me much more motivation and I am determined to prove that I can win.

 

“This fight is very important to me and in boxing history. We don’t want to leave a question mark in the mind of boxing fans. Boxing fans have been eager to see this fight for five years. They have been asking me the same question and it is finally happening.

 

“I keep fighting because boxing is my passion, I love boxing. I have been able to help my family through boxing.

 

“The Filipino people are very excited for this fight and I can’t wait to bring a victory to the country.

“I don’t want to judge, but I am very confident about this fight. I was more worried about my fights against [Oscar] De La Hoya, [Antonio] Margarito and [Miguel] Cotto, than I am with fighting Floyd Mayweather.

 

“Pleasing the fans is the most important thing to me; I want to make them happy. I get emotional sometimes in the ring because I just want to make them happy.

 

“I don’t get discouraged anymore with a loss in boxing. It is a part of the game and I have taken the losses and have made myself a better fighter. It’s about building yourself up and turning yourself into a better fighter.

 

“I will win May 2.”

 

Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions:

“We are very excited to making history today by officially announcing the biggest fight in the history of boxing and one of the biggest events in the history of sports.
“I would like to recognize the role that Floyd and Manny had in making this fight. The meeting that they had in Miami was a major milestone and I would personally like to thank Floyd for making it happen.

 

“Over the years Floyd has made the MGM Grand his home and they have gone above and beyond to ensure the highest quality for every Floyd event. This will be Floyd’s 11th consecutive fight at the MGM Grand and the 14th time that he will have fought there in his career.

 

“Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is a tremendous fight between two great champions and two great men. May 2 will be a spectacle unlike anything that Las Vegas has ever seen before.”

 

Bob Arum, Founder and CEO of Top Rank:

“It started when Les Moonves [chairman of CBS] came to my house. He visited me on a couple of occasions to tell me that he wanted to make this fight happen. He wanted me to go to Manny [Pacquiao] and discuss with him the purse that would be acceptable.

 

“We had frequent dialogue. I felt confident that it was going to happen because Moonves would do whatever he could to make this happen.

 

“It wasn’t until the basketball game in Miami where Manny was convinced that Floyd wanted the fight.

 

“It was probably the most difficult fight to make that I’ve been a part of. It took five years to make.

 

“One thing is clear; it’s the biggest fight of this century.

 

“I have no animosity with Floyd Mayweather. Floyd has always remained a good friend; I have nothing whatsoever bad to say about Floyd as a person.

 

“I love Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach. When Manny wins on May 2, which I’m sure he will, I will have a great deal of satisfaction for the both of them. They will have done the work to make it happen.

 

“Floyd’s style is really fit to fight a right-handed fighter. The southpaws that he has fought have given him problems and he has risen above, but the southpaws he fought in the past aren’t Manny Pacquiao.

 

“This fight is going to bring tremendous revenue to all of Las Vegas. I would’ve been put in a terrible position if I would’ve tried to move this fight out of Las Vegas, as I am a resident. Truly, the fight belongs in Las Vegas. Thousands and thousands of people will pour into Las Vegas just to be a part of the scene. This will be the biggest event in the history of Las Vegas.”

 

Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s Trainer:

“I think that Floyd had a better chance of beating Manny Pacquiao five years ago than he does now. Floyd’s legs are more shot now and he has slowed down quite a bit. I think we can take advantage of that.

 

“Floyd says that he wants to exchange with fighters more now to make it a more exciting fight, but I think that isn’t true. He doesn’t care about the fans at all and the only reason he has to exchange more is because his legs won’t take him out of the fight.

 

“If Floyd has to exchange with Manny Pacquiao I think that’s good for us and that’s why I think we’re going to win this fight.

 

“I think that this fight will change the game of boxing.

 

“Manny called me up and told me that he can’t train in the Philippines because it’s too crazy with all the fans there, he can’t focus.

 

“I have a rule in training camp this time that if you aren’t being productive in the gym for training, then you can’t be around. The strategy of this fight is very important and different from past fights. We can’t have any spies in the gym; we are just working on the game plan and focusing on what Floyd is doing. I know how Floyd sets up people and makes them walk into shots.

 

“Manny is very motivated for this fight. You have to take Floyd out of his confidence zone. Manny knows how to beat him. We will make the right move before we attack him.

 

“I wanted to have some young, upcoming fighters as sparring partners for Manny. There are young fighters from Chicago, Massachusetts and Finland who are coming in to spar with Manny. Their styles are perfect fits for Manny. They may get knocked out and sent home, but we’ll see. I have all the sparring partners lined up.

“Our game plan is to win every round. If we get the knockout, then that’s just a bonus. Floyd will dip into Manny’s power. That’s the mistake that someone will make against a southpaw. We have to win the first round and take Floyd out of his comfort zone.”

 

Richard Sturm, President Entertainment & Sports MGM Resorts International:

“We are thrilled that this fight has come to fruition and that it will be held at MGM Grand. The resort is home to the biggest names in sports and entertainment and on May 2 we will host one of the greatest fights the sport will have ever seen.

 

“Over the years, both Floyd and Manny have treated fans inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena and those watching on PPV to a thrilling fight experience. While their previous fights have been extremely exciting, we believe there is nothing that can compare to the spectacle these two champions will deliver on May 2.”

 

Ken Hershman, President HBO Sports:

“Over the next few months, the fans, pundits and writers will break down every aspect of this fight.

 

“I would like to look back and appreciate how we got here. It was 2001 when a young kid out of the Philippines named Manny Pacquaio made his HBO debut. Coincidentally, the headliner of the fight was Floyd Mayweather. Floyd made his HBO debut in 1997 and since then he has fought on HBO or HBO PPV 26 times.

 

“While these two have never shared a card again before May 2, they’ve each gone on to have Hall of Fame careers and have become the two biggest fighters of their generation. Floyd has headlined nine HBO PPV events and Manny 17 HBO PPV events. Those 26 events have compiled over 21 million PPV buys and over a billion dollars in revenue.

 

“On May 2, these two superstars will participate in what we all know will be the single largest boxing event of all time.

 

“We are proud to one again be making history on May 2 with Mayweather and Pacquiao.”

 

Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports:

“When Floyd Mayweather signed his historic deal with SHOWTIME two years ago, he promised us two things: one, he would be fighting more often and; two, each of the six fights under his deal would be the biggest events possible against the best opponents possible. Fast forward two years, and Floyd has kept every word of his promises.

 

“Now for just the second time in five fights with SHOWTIME, Floyd is fighting an opponent that many people thought he’d never fight. SHOWTIME PPV and Floyd set a PPV record with the first event in September 2013 and we look forward to another record-breaking performance on May 2.

 

“SHOWTIME has been involved in some of the biggest PPV events in history including Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson in 2002 and Mayweather vs. Canelo [Alvarez] in 2013. But neither of those events have generated the type of excitement and anticipation in media attention that matches the hysteria that this fight has already generated.

 

“This is the reason that all of us at SHOWTIME and CBS are so proud to be bringing this fight together. Excited, proud, thrilled, those are some of the countless adjectives to describe our feelings about this event, but surprisedis not one of them. As soon as we closed our deal with Floyd in 2013, the Pacquiao fight was a top priority both for Floyd and for us.

 

“Whenever it was time to discuss a Mayweather opponent, Manny Pacquiao was always high on Floyd’s list.

 

“As the CEO of CBS and a longtime boxing fan, Leslie Moonves was the driving force behind this deal and the primary reason why this fight was made.

 

“We know that Floyd is the consensus number one fighter in the sport, we know that Floyd is the most talked about athlete in all of sports and together with Floyd Mayweather, SHOWTIME has become the number one PPV distributer in television. We look forward to breaking more records and making more history on May 2.”

 

 

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

FLOYD MAYWEATHER TO TAKE ON MANNY PACQUIAO MAY 2 AT THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW

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LAS VEGAS (March 11, 2015) – Sports fans will be treated to the fight that has captured the attention of the entire world when boxing’s pound-for-pound king Floyd “Money” Mayweather steps into the ring to face eight-division world champion Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao in an epic welterweight world championship unification bout. The much-anticipated mega-fight will take place Saturday, May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., 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.

 

Superstars Mayweather and Pacquiao, whose crossover appeal transcends the sport and has made them household names, will compete in an event that is expected to eclipse any and all pay-per-view, live gate and closed circuit records. Mayweather vs. Pacquiao will rival legendary and memorable prizefights in the sport’s history such as the “Thrilla in Manila,” the “Rumble in the Jungle” and Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Tommy Hearns.

 

“Since the fight was announced, the response from the public has been unbelievable, and it’s even more clear that this is the fight the fans want to see,” said Mayweather. “I’m grateful that Manny Pacquiao and I were able to make it happen. This will be the biggest event in the history of boxing. I can’t thank my team enough for their support from day one. I’m more motivated than ever to put on an unbelievable show, and I’ll be ready for May 2.”

 

“I will be ready for my date with destiny on May 2,” said Pacquiao.  “I am very happy that Floyd Mayweather and I can give the fans the fight they have wanted for so many years. They have waited long enough and they deserve it.  It is their mandate.  It is an honor to be part of this historic event.  I dedicate this fight to all the fans who willed this fight to happen and, as always, to bring glory to the Philippines and my fellow Filipinos around the world.”

 

The fighters, promoters and network executives worked in close cooperation to ensure that every detail was agreed upon and set in order to deliver this historic fight.

 

“This fight is what we’ve all been waiting for,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. We always say that we want to give the fans what they want, and on May 2 they will get just that. “Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is the biggest event in the history of boxing, and we’re confident it will break all pay-per-view, live gate, and closed circuit records. Floyd has worked hard his whole career and controlled his own destiny to get to this point. Mayweather Promotions is excited for him and to be part of this extraordinary opportunity for everybody involved.”

 

“The whole world is eagerly awaiting this exciting battle,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank “With the help of God, we will be triumphant.”

 

“Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather have been the two most prominent fighters in the sport of boxing for the past decade, and fight fans around the world have been clamoring for them to face each other,” said Ken Hershman, President HBO Sports. “And now, on May 2, in what everyone believes will be the biggest boxing event of all-time, fight fans have been granted their wish. May 2 will be a signature moment for the sport of boxing and HBO Sports is thrilled to be a part of this spectacular event. I know the fighters and their teams will be primed to excel and we plan to work closely with everyone involved to deliver the same level of performance from a broadcast perspective.”

 

“When Showtime Networks signed Floyd Mayweather we began planning for spectacular events throughout the term of our agreement.  For both Floyd and for us, this fight was the top priority,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “The overwhelming anticipation for this fight is driving us to work around the clock on virtually every aspect of the event to deliver a world-class presentation worthy of Mayweather vs. Pacquiao.”

 

“Like boxing fans worldwide, we’re very excited that the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight has come to fruition,” said Richard Sturm, president of Entertainment and Sports for MGM Resorts International. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host this championship fight at MGM Grand, home to the sport’s biggest events. This May weekend will prove to be one of the most electric weekends Las Vegas has ever experienced.”

 

One of the most decorated fighters in the history of the sport, the undefeated Floyd Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs) is an 11-time world champion in five weight divisions and is universally recognized as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. With his trademark speed, defensive prowess and ability to read his opponents Mayweather has amassed wins over 20 world champions in his already legendary 19-year career.  In addition to his in-ring accomplishments, Forbes, Fortune and Sports Illustrated have named Mayweather the world’s highest-paid athlete multiple times. His events

average more than one million pay-per-view buys per fight, which is the highest average of any boxer in history. Mayweather holds the all-time record in gross pay-per-view receipts and has participated in three of the top six highest grossing pay-per-view events of all-time. Thus far, Mayweather is the only fighter to have participated in two events that generated more than 2 million pay-per-view buys each. Mayweather has been decorated with awards for “Best Male Athlete” and “Fighter of the Year” by various organizations including five ESPN ESPY Awards and two Boxing Writers Association of America awards.

 

Manny Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs), the lone congressional representative from the Sarangani province in the Philippines (he was reelected to a second term, running unopposed in 2013), is the only fighter to win eight world titles in as many different weight divisions.  A three-time Fighter of the Year and the Boxing Writers Association of America’s “Fighter of the Decade,” Pacquiao’s resumé features victories over present and future Hall of Famers, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Márquez. From 2008 to 2010, five of his seven victories were world title victories in five different weight classes, from 130 to 154 pounds.  No active boxer has sold more live tickets in the U.S. than Pacquiao, who is also credited with more than 13 million domestic pay-per-view buys.  Pacquiao regained the WBO welterweight title last year, on April 12, via a scintillating unanimous decision over Timothy Bradley Jr., avenging his controversial 2012 split decision loss to the undefeated two-division world champion.

 

HBO Sports has brought the best in sports to television for four decades — from world championship boxing events, to intriguing documentaries and specials, to the most honored and compelling reality programming franchise, and the most provocative sports magazine program on TV. HBO has covered the sport of boxing unlike anyone else over the last 40 years. Three series comprise the HBO Boxing franchise, including the flagship

World Championship Boxing® series, theHBO Pay-Per-View® service, which isthe pay-per-view arm of Home Box Office and a premier supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry, and the late-night HBO Boxing After Dark® series, which was introduced in 1996.

 

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary 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® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using 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®.
The MGM Grand Garden Arena is home to concerts, championship boxing and premier sporting and special events. The Arena offers comfortable seating for as many as 16,800 with excellent sightlines and state-of-the-art acoustics, lighting and sound.  Prominent events to date have included world championship fights between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson as well as Oscar de la Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather and Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez; and concerts by The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Bette Midler, George Strait, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, U2, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Jimmy Buffett and the Barbra Streisand Millennium Concert.  The MGM Grand Garden Arena also is home to annual events including Academy of Country Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Festival, Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Championship and the Frozen Fury NHL pre-season game hosted by the Los Angeles Kings.

 

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.