The most talked about boxing match in history is finally a reality! Pound-for-pound greats Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao will fight.
Photo: Reuters; Getty Images
After years of failed negotiations, the two best fighters in the world will get it on May 2 to unify their welterweight world titles at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“I am glad my decision to meet with Manny and discuss making this fight happen helped get the deal done,” said Mayweather. “Giving the fans what they want to see is always my main focus. This will be the biggest event in the history of the sport. Boxing fans and sports fans around the world will witness greatness on May 2. I am the best ever, TBE, and this fight will be another opportunity to showcase my skills and do what I do best, which is win. Manny is going to try to do what 47 before him failed to do, but he won’t be successful. He will be number 48.”
“I promised the fans we would get this done and we did,” Mayweather added. “We will make history on May 2. Don’t miss it.”
Meanwhile, Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer said, “Floyd should enjoy being the A-side while he can because on May 2, Manny is going to put him on his backside.”
“I am very happy that Floyd Mayweather and I can give the fans the fight they have wanted for so many years,” said Pacquiao. “They have waited long enough and they deserve it. 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.”
Formal details on the agreement have yet to be announced, but it’s expected that Mayweather will have a 60-40 split advantage on revenues, with Mayweather making at least $120 million and Pacquiao, who signed the contract for the bout Thursday, earning $80 million.
Source: ESPN Sports