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boxing, HBO Boxing, Showtime Boxing, Top Rank

FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND MANNY PACQUIAO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS FROM KÀ THEATRE AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS

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“MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO”

This Saturday, May 2, Live on Pay-Per-View

 

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Chris Farina/Top Rank

 

Click HERE For Photos From Will Hart/HBO

 

Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

LAS VEGAS (April 29, 2015) – Floyd “Money” Mayweather and 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 years.

 

“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, is back. 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., Mayweather’s Father & 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, Pacquiao’s Trainer

“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 Promoter, 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. Also, 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.”

 

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President and General Manager, 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 hours. We are so proud to have been given the opportunity to be a part of such a highly anticipated event.”

 

RICHARD STURM, President of Entertainment & Sports 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 and Mexico, Live it to Believe it. The three-fight pay-per-view telecast is co-produced and co-distributed by SHOWTIME PPV® and HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

 

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

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FULL NIGHT OF ACTION-PACKED FIGHTS COMING  TO THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA SATURDAY, MAY 2

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Young Stars Complement Epic Welterweight Championship Showdown
Between Floyd Mayweather & Manny Pacquiao

 

LAS VEGAS (April 27, 2015) – A full lineup of present and future boxing stars is set to entertain the MGM Grand Garden Arena crowd in pay-per-view and non-televised action before the history-making welterweight showdown between Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao on Saturday, May 2.

 

The pay-per-view undercard is topped by a pair of fights featuring two of boxing’s most talented and exciting stars as WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz (29-0-1, 17 KOs) faces Mexican brawler Jose Cayetano (17-3, 8 KOs) and WBO Featherweight World Champion Vasyl Lomachenko (3-1, 1 KO) takes on Puerto Rican contender Gamalier Rodriguez (25-2-3, 17 KOs).

 

The pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

 

Exciting non-televised bouts round out the action in the arena as top undefeated prospects look to keep their perfect records intact.

 

The slick and undefeated Chris “Sweet” Pearson (11-0, 9 KOs) meets Said El Harrak (12-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout and heavy-fisted Jesse Hart (16-0, 13 KOs) takes on fellow unbeaten Mike Jimenez (17-0, 11 KOs) in a 10-rounder or the NABO, USBA and NABF Super Middleweight titles.

 

An undefeated knockout artist looking to make it 10-for-10, Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (9-0, 9 KOs) faces Anthony Caputo Smith (15-4, 10 KOs) in an eight- rounds cruiserweight match.

 

Kicking off the night of fights is undefeated contender Brad Solomon (24-0, 9 KOs), who’ll be opposed by Adrian Rene Granados (13-3, 9 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight bout.

 

“Mayweather Promotions is looking forward to bringing some of boxing’s most exciting current and future stars to the fans on the biggest night in our sport’s history,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Whether you are watching on pay-per-view or in the arena, you are in store for an electric night of fights.”

 

“Each undercard match could be a main event on another card,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank. “Fans can watch the exciting action as a warm-up to the most anticipated fight in decades.”

 

As previously announced, 26-year-old Santa Cruz will be making his second appearance on a Floyd Mayweather pay-per-view undercard. The fan-friendly two-division world champion 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. Born in Huetamo, Michoaca de Ocampo, Mexico but fighting out of Los Angeles, Santa Cruz won his first world title in 2012. In 2013 he won his super bantamweight title.

 

Fighting out of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, Cayetano turned pro in 2009 and sprinted to a 10-0 record before dropping a narrow split decision to Ruben Tamayo in 2011. He most recently dropped a decision to Enrique Bernache in February after defeating Dennis Contreras and Eden Marquez in his previous two starts. He hopes to make a grand impression in his U.S. debut onMay 2.

 

Arguably the greatest amateur boxer of all-time, with two Olympic gold medals and two Amateur National Championships, 27-year-old Lomachenko has already made a great impact in the professional ranks. He won his world title with a majority decision over Gary Russell Jr. last year. Making the second defense of his 126-pound title, the fighter out of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Ukraine will be going for his third straight win overall when he battles Rodriguez.

 

An accomplished veteran from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Rodriguez gets an opportunity on boxing’s biggest stage when he battles Lomachenko.  The 28-year-old has not lost a fight since 2009 and has 17 consecutive victories since a technical draw in 2010. He won twice in 2014, picking up a unanimous decision victory over Orlando Cruz and a second round TKO over Martin Cardona.

 

Fighting out of Philadelphia, Hart was an accomplished amateur who was a 2012 U.S. Olympic alternate after earning a U.S. National Championship and a National Golden Gloves Championship.  The 25-year-old will fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the first time since his professional debut in 2005 when he stopped Manuel Eastman in the first round. This time, he will look to remain undefeated and catapult himself to contender status.

 

Undefeated and facing the biggest challenge of his career, the 27-year-old Jimenez will make his Las Vegas debut on May 2. Having already delivered a second round knockout over Kevin Engel in 2015 the fighter out of Chicago will look to impress on the biggest stage of his career against Hart.

 

A three-time National Golden Gloves Champion, Solomon fights out of Lafayette, Louisiana and is aiming to maintain his perfect record.. The 31-year-old picked up victories in 2014 over Eduardo Flores, Freddy Hernandez and Arman Ovsepyan. Solomon takes on the 25-year-old Granados out of Cicero, Illinois.

 

*          *          *

 

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 24and Mexico, Live it to Believe it. The pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

 

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

 
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CBS AND SHOWTIME ANNOUNCE FULL, MULTI-PLATFORM PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE SURROUNDING  FLOYD MAYWEATHER vs. MANNY PACQUIAO FIGHT

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 SHOWTIME Sports Offering More Than A Dozen Hours of First-Run Shoulder Programming Including Documentary Series INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO

 

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 and 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 INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO, classic fights and a comprehensive offering of digital assets.

 

In addition, 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,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, 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:

INSIDE 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. ET), 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 INSIDE 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.  Additionally, 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 on Saturday prior to the fight from 6-8 p.m. ET.  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 and Youtube.com/shosports.

 

Additionally, 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:

  • INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO:
    • Episode 2 premieres Saturday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.
    • Episode 3 premieres Wednesday, April 29 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME
    • Epilogue premieres Saturday, May 9
  • WEIGH-IN LIVE: MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO: Friday, May 1 at 6 ET/3 PT, live on SHOWTIME
  • COUNTDOWN LIVE: MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO:Saturday, May 2 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, live on SHOWTIME

 

 

# # #

 

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®, FLIX 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®.

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LIVE EVENT AND CLOSED CIRCUIT TICKETS FOR FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. MANNY PACQUIAO ON SALE THURSDAY, APRIL 23

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Closed Circuit Locations Available at all MGM Resorts International Properties Along The Strip

 

LAS VEGAS (April 22, 2015) – Tickets for the highly anticipated world championship showdown betweenFloyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao taking place Saturday, May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena will be available tomorrow for both in-arena and closed circuit viewing.

 

Tickets for the live event priced at $7,500, $5,000, $3,500, $2,500 and $1,500, not including applicable service charges, go on sale Thursday, April 23 at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT. Tickets are limited to four (4) per household. To charge by phone or with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

 

The closed circuit telecast will be available at all MGM Resorts International properties in Las Vegas.  General admission tickets for closed circuit viewing will be $150, not including handling fees, and will go on saleThursday, April 23 at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.  Tickets will be available for purchase at the individual property’s box office outlets, by phone with a major credit card at (866) 799-7711 or through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000.  Closed circuit tickets are limited to eight (8) per household.

 

*          *          *

 

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

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com, www.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/TRBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOsports and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.
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FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. MANNY PACQUIAO OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN TO BENEFIT SUSAN G. KOMEN & THE CLEVELAND CLINIC LOU RUVO CENTER FOR BRAIN HEALTH

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TICKETS WILL BE REQUIRED FOR PUBLIC ADMISSION ON

MAY 1 AT THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA

 

Tickets Go On Sale Tomorrow

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

*          *          *

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

 

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

*          *          *

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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Floyd Mayweather & Manny Pacquiao Square Off
In Another Classic Showdown

 In The Welterweight Division

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

# # #

 

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

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com,www.SHO.com/Sports, www.hbo.com/boxingand www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/TRBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.
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Will Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Live up to the Hype?

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By: Rich Bergeron

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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