It’s the match the Boxing world has been waiting to see for the last decade, and it promises to be one of the biggest events in the sport’s history. Tickets went on sale April 23 and were sold out in seconds due to the massive interest in this match, with the official weigh-in the next intriguing order of business.
Now that the wait is nearly over as Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather Jr. takes on Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao at the most iconic boxing venue in the world, the MGM Grand Venue Arena at Las Vegas, you need not miss a minute when watching it live on Pay Per View as well as options to follow the key moments in the match Online.
When: Saturday May 2 (US)
Where: MGM Grand Venue Arena, Las Vegas NV
Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao Preview
The MGM Grand is the venue that has played host to the last ten fights involving Floyd Mayweather, as well as eight of the last twelve bouts that Manny Pacquiao has contested. There was suggestion that the fight between these two be held in Manila given the great history there with Ali and Joe Frazier, but considering the time zone difference, it was determined not to be suitable for the huge pay per view market in the States.
The match is expected to make $40 Million from ringside ticket purchases alone, which sold out in mere minutes and that’s not taking into consideration the pay per view money. Overall, the fight is expected to generate close to $250 Million, smashing all previous records. The TV audience will also break boxing records, with the number worldwide expected to hit the tens of millions.
Floyd Mayweather will enter as the favourite to continue his unbeaten career and better it to 47-0, while Pacquiao is considered the outsider, the first time he has been the underdog in many years. But when the bell rings, two of the best boxers to have graced the planet will be going at it, so there’s telling how things will unfold which is why it‘s being called the ‘Fight of the Century‘.
Free to Air and Online Availability
If fortunate enough to live in the Philippines, local networks GMA-7, ABS-CBN, and TV5 are serving up the entire bout on Free to Air TV. However, for fans in Australia or New Zealand this once in a lifetime fight won’t be available on Free View TV, but if your schedule prevents you from having televised access and you’re looking for a way to stay in the loop online options do exist. While certainly not as exciting, at the scene round-by-round reporting will be available through live blogs such as this Pacquiao vs Mayweather news stream offered by Sky Sports. As additional live match blogs are announced they will be included here, so you may wish to bookmark this page.
Live Pay Per View
Main Event is the exclusive Australian Mayweather vs Pacquiao live pay per view provider, and a subscription to Foxtel or Optus featuring Foxtel is required for access to their channel. If you’re currently not a subscriber you may compare the latest Foxtel packages here, of which the ‘Epic Entertainment’ offer featured below is just one of the many options available. For additional requirements and details on how to order click to call the phone number provided below, or visit the Main Event website at www.main.event.com.au.
Date: Sunday May 3
Time: 11:00 am Sydney Time
Location: MGM Grand Venue Arena, Las Vegas
Cost: $59.95 (Main Event)
What Time will Mayweather and Pacquiao Fight?
The featured match (Pacquiao vs Mayweather) is anticipated to start between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm (Sydney time).
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Manny Pacquiao Highlights
Record: 57-5-2
Methods: 38 Knockouts, 19 Decisions
Career Highlight: Win over Juan Manuel Marquez (November 2012)
Titles: WBC Flyweight, IBF Super Bantamweight, WBC Super Featherweight, WBC Lightweight, WBO Welterweight, WBC Light Middlweight
Strength: Speed
Floyd Mayweather Highlights
Record: 47-0
Methods: 26 Knockouts, 21 Decisions
Career Highlight: 2007 Knockout win over Ricky Hatton
Titles: WBC Super Featherweight, WBC Lightweight, WBC Light Welterweight, iBF Welterweight, WBC Welterweight, WBC Light Middlweight
Strength: Power
Common Opponents
Much has been made about their common opponents, but the only thing for certain is that with so much on the line each will give this fight their all out best. With that said, among the notable rivals that each have faced recent times includes Juan Manual Marquez. Mayweather beat him by a Unanimous Decision in 2009, while Pacquiao lost to him in 2012 via a sixth round knockout. The other interesting common opponent is ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley. Pacquiao got the verdict by Unanimous Decision in 2011 while Mayweather defeated Mosley a year earlier by the identical card.
Pacquiao Will Win If:
He can handle the pressure and ferociousness of Mayweather. Pacquiao has been criticised for taking on opponents either too inexperienced or past their prime. Mayweather is at the peak of his powers and is regarded as just a touch below Ali as the greatest.
Mayweather Will Win If:
He continues what he does best. He is unbeaten for a reason. He is a champion, a legend. He might not have the speed of Pacquiao, but he has ‘Pacman’ covered when it comes to strength, stamina and power.
