Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao came face-to-face on Wednesday in Los Angeles, and their press conference served to build up the hype surrounding their May 2 bout.
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Expectations Are Huge
Over 700 media credentials were distributed for Wednesday’s press conference, and while it was closed to the general public inside the Nokia Theatre, it didn’t stop a significant number of people turning up prior to the event starting.
This is expected to be the biggest fight in boxing history, both in terms of revenue and global reach, and with such an intense response to a mere press conference, fight night is expected to be something really special.
Mind-games Have Started As Both Men Have A Score To Settle
Mayweather built it as the “fight of the century” with the best against the best on May 2, and it’s hard to argue with him despite the five losses on Pacquiao’s record.
The unbeaten American superstar made sure he mentioned that by insisting that once you lose, it’s in your mind. That was a far from subtle dig at Pac-Man and gave him something to think about, or at least Floyd would have hoped that was the effect.
Freddie Roach insisted that “we’re going kick his a**” as he stepped up to the podium, and Pacquiao’s trainer has certainly been outspoken throughout the build up thus far.
Neither fighter particularly got into a war of words as both remained professional and calm throughout, even through a long and intense face off to get proceedings underway. However, it’s bubbling underneath as they are desperate to put on a show and end the debate over who the pound-for-pound king of boxing is.
Meeting In Miami Was Vital
After years of failed negotiations, their first meeting at the Miami Heat game was significant. Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe conceded as much during his introductory speech, as ultimately the face-to-face meeting finally allowed both men to make their feelings clear.
With all the controversy and front office talks before it, no representatives from either party could strike a deal. With Mayweather and Pacquiao sitting down together and insisting that they wanted the fight, the other pieces fell into place and the deal was made between all parties.
Roach Is In Confident Mood
Pacquiao’s trainer was in a jovial mood even before the press conference started as he joked with reporters about former strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza and insisted that he had the perfect plan for Mayweather.
He continued that with his outburst in his speech during the press conference and he is undoubtedly confident that Pacquiao has what it takes to inflict a first loss on his rival.
Although he remained respectful and paid tribute to Mayweather and his team and wished them good luck, Roach seemingly believes he has the formula to make it 47-1, but all will be revealed on fight night.
Mayweather vs Pacquiao Is Going To Be Expensive
Tickets will range from $1,500 to $7,500, and the fight will command the highest pay-per-view price ever.
It is not yet clear as to how many tickets to attend at the MGM Grand will be available for the general public, but it is certain that there will be a lot of demand for them.
Mayweather is widely referred to as the king of pay-per-view, but even these numbers are going to seem crazy to him and there was perhaps a hint of a nervousness in terms of the scale of the event in his voice when he addressed the media.
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