Mayweather-Pacquiao face off
Floyd Mayweather Jr. (47-0, 26 KOs) and Manny Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs) appeared in front of the world’s media at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, in their only joint public appearance before the week of their May 2 mega-fight, billed as "Fight of the Century".
The two best fighters and biggest names in the sport stood face-to-face, in a scene that many fans thought they would never see, alone on a stage to finally announce the big fight.
Due to disagreements between the two boxers' camps on terms for the fight, the bout did not come to fruition – until now.
The fight is expected to generate as much as $400 million and beome the highest grossing fight in history.
“This is a fight that the world cannot miss,” said WBC and WBA welterweight champion Mayweather. "An unbelievable match-up, action packed fight.”
The 38-year-old American, who prides himself on his undefeated record, suggested that the five defeats on the Filipino’s record will be an advantage for him.
“I’m in the gym working right now, dedicating myself to the sport, pushing myself to the limit because I have never wanted to win a fight so much in my life.
“I’m sure he will push himself to the limit because he wants to win just as I want to win. But one thing I do know about any sport – when you lose it’s in your mind. If you’ve lost one it‘s in your mind, if you’ve lost twice it’s in your mind.
“From day one, I was always taught to be a winner, stay focused, and be the best that you can be.
“Mayweather-Pacquiao, everybody that is tuning in – we want to say thank you. May 2nd, that’s when the world stops. I want everyone to tune in to the biggest fight in boxing history.”
WBO welterweight champion Pacquiao, 36, give into a number of Mayweather's demands to make the fight happen, including agreeing to give him the lion's share of 60-40 of the revenue, and he expects to serve up a thrilling encounter for the fans at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“To the fans of boxing, I believe this is what you are waiting for since five years ago,” said Pacquiao.
“The fight is on and you are very excited. We are going to undergo hard training for this fight and we will do our best on May 2 to make you happy.”
Pacquiao may be coming into the bout as the underdog but his trainer Freddie Roach believes the Filipino legend will give the pound for pound number one, his first defeat. "We're fighting the best fighter in the world – but we're gonna kick his ass," said Roach.
The pair will not face off again until fight week. Then, a few days later, they will square off to unify their welterweight world titles, determine pound-for-pound supremacy and crown the king of their era on May 2.