Las Vegas, NV (SportsNetwork.com) – Fans came out in droves to the MGM Grand
Arena to witness the official weigh-in on the eve of Saturday’s mega-fight
between welterweight champions Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.
The undefeated Mayweather measured in at 146 pounds for the “Fight of the
Century”, a clash of two of boxing’s premier performers of this era that took
five years to finally come together. Pacquiao weighed 145 pounds, two below
the 147-pound welterweight limit.
Certain to generate the highest buy rates in the sport’s history, the immense
public interest in this long-awaited matchup was on display during Friday’s
weigh-in ritual. The event drew a crowd of approximately 16,000, many of which
purchased tickets for the $10 sale price and many more paying much higher
amounts on the secondary market for a chance to catch a glimpse of the two
boxing icons.
Mayweather (47-0, 26 KO), an 11-time world champion who has won titles in five
different weight classes, is still regarded as a clear favorite according to
Las Vegas oddsmakers, though the popular Pacquiao has closed the gap in recent
weeks.
Both will put 147-pound titles on the line on Saturday, with Mayweather
holding the WBC welterweight belt and Pacquiao (57-5-2) owning the WBO
welterweight crown.
The fight is expected to produce as $400 million in revenue between gate
receipts and pay-per-view purchases, easily the highest-grossing fight in
boxing history.
Pacquiao was introduced first during Friday’s festivities and appeared to
receive the warmer response, with the Filipino legend smiling throughout most
of the weigh-in — even smirking some during the traditional stare-down
between the two fighters.
The notoriously brash Mayweather made his entrance with a usual look of
confidence, though his appearance was a bit more subdued until the 38-year-old
saluted the crowd as he reached the stage.
Pacquiao, the only boxer to capture world titles in eight different weight
divisions, is two years younger than Mayweather but also considered the more
battle-worn of the two. He went through a career downturn after suffering
consecutive losses in 2012, including a knockout defeat to Juan Manuel
Marquez, before getting back on track with wins in his last three bouts.
