Mayweather vs. Pacquiao: Latest Comments, Photos, Videos, More for Superfight

Matt FitzgeraldMar 4, 2015

One of the most highly anticipated bouts in boxing history is slated for May 2 between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. Both fighters appear to be hard at work ahead of the impending showdown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Continue for updates.

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Re-Sale Ticket Prices Dropping

Friday, May 1

ESPN's Darren Rovell reported that resale prices of tickets to the Pacquiao Mayweather fight have been dropping:

"
Boxing fans who can make their way to Las Vegas might actually be able to buy a ticket to the fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao for close to face value come Saturday night.
The roughly 500 tickets released to the public sold out within minutes last week, but the resale market -- minus an initial blip after tickets were committed to the promoters, sponsors and high rollers -- has started to fall.
More than 30 tickets sold early Friday on StubHub, as of 9:45 a.m. ET, for an average price of $3,899. That's compared to 156 tickets that sold for an average of about $800 more on Thursday ($4,693). Perhaps the most troubling sign for those selling tickets is that 10 tickets sold for less than the investment in the ticket, after fees.
"

Rovell also reported on the reasons why:

"
Many insiders believe the market crashed because of the early hype around the prices for the seats. While the market appeared to hold -- as of last Saturday, StubHub had sold 252 tickets for an average price of $6,583 -- the quantity of tickets being sold was relatively low.
One broker, who requested anonymity, said he believes even high rollers were scared off. Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said last month that anyone who wanted to get the best seats at the fight had to have a credit line of at least $250,000 with MGM.
"

Filipinos Urged to Turn off Electric Appliances During Mayweather Bout

Friday, May 1

The Associated Press (via Fox Sports) reported that Filipinos were being encouraged by a major power company to turn off all electric appliances during Pacquiao's bout with Mayweather on Saturday:

"
Palawan Electric Cooperative secretary Rante Ramos says shutting down refrigerators in 15,000 households alone will reduce the demand for electricity in the province enough the compensate for the expected power deficit of 2 megawatts when the fight is aired in the Philippines on Sunday.
He says air conditioners, washing machines and electric pots also consume a lot of electricity.

He says ''if it is just for the Pacquiao fight, let us just leave electric fans and TVs on.''
"

Roach Comments on Pacquiao Testing, Previous Mayweather Bouts

Thursday, April 30

ESPN's Dan Rafael passed along comments from Freddie Roach, who spoke on Pacquiao's drug testing and Mayweather's previous fights:

Roach: Pacquiao Promised Me A Knockout

Friday, April 24

Freddie Roach spoke to Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times about his conversations with Pacquiao regarding his bout with Mayweather:

"
“What would be most special is No. 8, and Manny says, ‘You’ll win that next year, because I’m going to knock Mayweather out,’” Roach said.
“I’ve never heard Manny be so bold. I was really happy he said that to me.”
"

MGM Claims Most Betting on Draw, Would be 'Worst Case Scenario'

Friday, April 24

David Purdum of ABC reported that MGM claims they have seen the most betting on the upcoming fight on a draw:

"
If the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight ends in a deflating draw, it would be the worst-case scenario for one of Nevada's largest sportsbooks. It also could set up an even more lucrative rematch for everyone involved.
When the MGM sportsbook opened betting on the fight in February, a draw paid 22-1. The odds of a draw have been bet down to 8-1. Almost 1,000 bets had already been placed on the outcome resulting in a draw, according to MGM vice president of race and sports Jay Rood. That's double the number of bets on any of the other possible outcomes.
"That will minimize as we get closer, but right now it's not good -- our worst-case scenario," Rood said.
"

Top Rank and Mayweather Promotions Reach Deal, Tickets to Be Issued

Wednesday, April 22

Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports reported Top Rank and Mayweather Promotions have finally reached a deal. Iole provided more details on the negotiations that led to the agreement:

Arum Condemns Rematch Talk

Wednesday, April 22

Top Rank CEO Bob Arum has played down talk of a potential rematch, suggesting Mayweather's camp has been so hard to deal with that he doesn't want to go through the trouble again. His comments were reported by Jeff Powell of the MailOnline:

"
It was only by giving Floyd everything he wanted that we got this thing done, But it's still been so difficult dealing with his team and Al Haymon (the secretive advisor to Mayweather and a rapidly expanding stable of boxers).
It takes them three weeks to answer an e-mail, for god's sake. I really don't want to go through this nonsense all over again. After this is over we can get money from other fights. Not as much but very good money.
"

Arum isn't sure Mayweather would bother to gear himself up for another battle of this magnitude, per Powell: "I'm not sure Floyd will fight again, especially if he loses to Manny. I don't think he wants to. Sure he likes the money and the lifestyle and the limelight. But I don't see him enjoying boxing any more."

Referee, Judge Payments Revealed

Tuesday, April 21

Jason Floyd of The MMA Report revealed that Kenny Bayless will be the referee for the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight, while Burt Clements, Dave Moretti and Glenn Feldman will judge the bout.

Floyd also revealed that Bayless will make $25,000, while each judge will receive $20,000.

Mayweather Granted License for Fight

Tuesday, April 21

Floyd reported that Mayweather was granted his license to fight Pacquiao next week, with Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports noting that Mayweather needed it because he's over the age of 35.

Judges to Be Selected on Tuesday

Monday, April 20

Dan Rafael of ESPN reported that the Nevada Athletic Commission will select the judges for the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao bout on April 21.

Admission Will Be Charged for Weigh-In

Thursday, April 16

According to Iole, fans will be charged admission should they choose to attend the Mayweather-Pacquiao weigh-in:

"
For what is believed to be the first time in Nevada history, admission will be charged for fans to attend the weigh-in on May 1 in the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Francisco Aguilar, the chairman of the Nevada Athletic Commission, said he sought the advice of the Nevada attorney general's office before permitting the charge. [...]
The charge is not, however, because the fighters are looking to milk every last cent from the promotion. Rather, it's going to be tried as a form of crowd control. All of the ticket sales from the weigh-in, Aguilar said, will be donated to charity.
"

Tickets to Go On Sale to Public This Week

Tuesday, April 14

CEO of Mayweather Promotions Leonard Ellerbe revealed tickets will go on sale to the public this week, per Pugmire. Pugmire added, "Ellerbe didn't say how many tix will go on sale."

Pacquiao Says It's 'Time for Floyd to Lose'

Tuesday, April 14

Pacquiao commented on being the underdog against Mayweather and also stated that "it is time for Floyd to lose," via BoxingScene.com:

"
I was an underdog in the negotiations for this fight. I have been the underdog in the wagering on this fight. I am the underdog to win the fight by the media who are covering it. The odds that this fight would happen, five years after our first negotiation, was considered a long shot. And I love it. I love it all. I love being the underdog because every time I have been the underdog in a fight I have won. De La Hoya, Barerra and Ledwaba were all favored to destroy me. Being the underdog inspired me in training. Winning those fights gave hope and inspiration to those who needed it. It gave proof that someone like me, born in poverty, who came from the dirt, can achieve success against all odds with hard work and prayer. Being an underdog has always spurred me on to greater heights.

It is time for Floyd to lose. When I enter the ring on May 2 it will be no different than when David faced Goliath.
"

Mayweather Has Split Lip, Takes Break from Sparring

Tuesday, April 14

Bob Arum revealed that Mayweather had to take a break from sparring after suffering a cut to his lip: "He couldn't spar for a few days because his lip was cut," Arum said, per ESPN.co.uk. "They had to manufacture a special headgear that covered his lip because every time Floyd got hit, it bled."

Pac-Man Receives 'Rowdy' Visitor

Tuesday, April 14

Pacquiao took time off from his busy schedule to link up with UFC women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey just weeks out from the fight.

Rousey previously confessed to TMZ she is rooting for the underdog, per Mike Foss of USA Today.

Early PPV Buyers Will Enter to Win 2 Tickets to Fight

Monday, April 13

Darren Rovell of ESPN reported that those who purchase the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight early will have a chance to win a prize that includes tickets to the bout in Las Vegas:

Closed Circuit Tickets Reportedly Set at $150 in Vegas

Thursday, April 9

According to Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, the closed circuit tickets for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight will be $150, per Rafael. Rafael noted the information is still pending, however.

Mayweather Nearly at Welterweight Limit

Thursday, April 9

Mayweather is within three-and-a-half pounds of making the welterweight limit already, as confirmed during the WBC's mandatory check, reported by Jeff Powell of the MailOnline. Pacquiao is also said to be "comfortably" moving toward the desired weight.

Mayweather was already standing at 150.5 lbs for the 147 lb championship bout on April 9. Fighters are allowed a 10 per cent excess at the 30-day check, but the undefeated star was comfortably inside that marker.

Pacquiao, Mayweather Camps in Dispute Over Tickets, Contract

Wednesday, April 8

Iole previously reported that a dispute has erupted between the fight's promoters:

"
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, who promotes Pacquiao, said no contract exists between MGM Resorts and the promoters. Asked point blank if the highly anticipated May 2 fight is in jeopardy, Arum told Yahoo Sports, "I don't know any more. I've never been in this area before."
But Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe, who has been handling negotiations with the MGM, said the notion the fight is in jeopardy is ridiculous.
He ripped into Arum and said he is just doing his due diligence to make sure the event does as well as possible.
"Fight?" he said in a thunderous tone. "We've got nothing. They're [the MGM] going around saying, 'The fight, the fight, blah, blah, blah,' but they got nothing. They have no contract. Nothing. We haven’t even seen a draft. … What is happening now is absolutely intolerable. For the MGM to think that everything is resolved and so forth, when nobody has even discussed terms, is the most insane thing ever."
Ellerbe said the tickets were delivered to the MGM on Wednesday. Yahoo Sports reached out to Richard Sturm, the president of MGM Grand Entertainment and Sports, but did not receive a return call.
"

Pacquiao Camp Bans Selfies

Wednesday, April 8

Steve Angeles of ABS-CBN News North America in the Philippines reported that Pacquiao's camp has placed a ban on fans who want to take photos with the boxer during his runs and workouts:

"
There's a new rule that fans of Manny Pacquiao – especially those who follow him on his runs through the streets and hills of Los Angeles – will have to follow: no more selfies with the "Pacman."
Pacquiao's team has asked that people stop taking pictures with the Filipino icon in an effort to keep him from getting sick or even injured.
Over the years, keeping Pacquiao germ-free has been a top priority. Last year, Pacquiao missed two days of practice as he was preparing for his bout against Timothy Bradley Jr. after catching a cold.
At the time, chief trainer Freddie Roach said: "Manny… has so many people that go to his house (who) want to bother him. I don't know why these people feel like they need to see Manny or get him sick."
"

Roach Says Pacquiao Is Motivated by Mayweather's Domestic Violence History

Tuesday, April 7

Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, commented on how Mayweather's past legal history with domestic violence fuels Pac-Man even further, via Martin Rodgers of USA Today:

"
Roach told USA TODAY Sports that Pacquiao's feelings towards Mayweather, which he says stem from the American boxer's history of domestic violence, had upped Pacquiao's intensity and motivation in training camp.
"Manny is really against domestic violence. It is a big issue maybe in the Philippines for him and being a congressman he can control some of that stuff. That is a big plus for me that Manny does not like the guy, I think the killer instinct is going to come back a lot faster. ...
For the first time in my life with Manny Pacquiao, this is the first fighter he hasn't liked. I can tell."
"

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Commercial Revealed

Monday, April 6

HBO Boxing shared the first television commercial for the fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao:

Pacquiao Done With Workout Interviews Until Media Day

Friday, April 3

Pugmire reported that Pacquiao will not hold any more interviews before April 15's media day:

"
“Since the red carpet [March 11] until now, we’ve done so much press — triple any other fight — he’s a little tired of it,” Roach said. “I told him I’ll pick up the slack if needed. I can be tired. He can’t.”
“You have to focus without interruption after your activities of jogging, training … I don’t want to focus on anything other than boxing,” Pacquiao told The Times following his Thursday workout.
You have to focus without interruption after your activities of jogging, training ... I don't want to focus on anything other than boxing.- Manny Pacquiao
“I’m not complaining about interviews. They help us promote the fight and help the people know what’s happening in the camps. This is just the first time I’m asking for time to focus. There’s something I need to achieve in this camp, especially mentally.”
"

PPV Prices Reportedly Set

Wednesday, April 1

Joe Flint of The Wall Street Journal reported that pay-per-view prices for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight have been set. Flint offered the following details on the negotiations:

"
HBO and Showtime, which are handling negotiations for the camps of Mr. Pacquiao and Mr. Mayweather respectively, are expected to wrap up deals with major pay-TV distributors in the next few days for the highly anticipated welterweight title fight. The negotiations stalled last week as distributors and HBO and Showtime sparred over the split of what is expected to be record-setting pay-per-view revenue.
Under the terms being discussed, the fight will be sold for $99 for a high-definition feed and $89 for standard definition, both of which are record prices.
"

Roy Jones Jr.: Money Has to Knock Out Pac-Man to Win

Wednesday, April 1

Former world heavyweight champion Roy Jones Jr. weighed in on the Mayweather-Pacquiao superfight, claiming that Mayweather will need to knock out Pacquiao in order to emerge victorious. Chris Williams of Boxing News 24 passed along his comments from an interview with ESPN:

"
You don’t get Mayweather to engage. Pacquiao’s plan should be to outwork Mayweather and outpoint. He’s not going to be able to force Mayweather to engage. He can do what he wants to do and try, but he can’t force a defensive fighter who’s that skilled and defensive. You can’t make him engage. I think Floyd will have to knockout Pacquiao to win. If there’s a decision, I think Pacquiao wins the decision.
"

Roach Teaching Pacquiao to Avoid Mayweather's 'Traps'

Wednesday, March 1

Lyle Fitzsimmons of CBS Sports reported that Roach is teaching Pacquiao to looks for Mayweather's tricks:

"
"In the [Chris] Algieri fight, [Manny] followed him too much, and I wasn't really happy about the way he went about that fight," Roach told CBSSports.com, referring to Pacquiao's 12-round thrashing of the previously unbeaten Long Islander, in which the Filipino scored multiple knockdowns while pursuing quarry whose own strategy seemed more in line with survival than conquest.
Against Mayweather, whose movement is typically more strategic, the chase is more nuanced, too.
"The first thing in the gym here, we go back to cutting the ring off and how he's going to fight Mayweather and not fall into traps," Roach said. "Mayweather does set traps. When he's moving along the ropes and you follow him, he will set you up for the right hand. That is something we had to work on. We work on it every day. And Manny knows the answer to that puzzle every time. Every time I set the trap, he steps away and puts himself in a neutral position.
"That's the smartest thing to do against Mayweather at this point."
"

Muhammad Ali Comments on Fight

Tuesday, March 31

The legendary Ali weighed in on the fight on Tuesday:

Arum Doubts Mayweather

Tuesday, March 31

According to Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, Mayweather has not impressed during training, per Ronnie Nathanielsz of BoxingScene.com:

"
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, who promotes Manny Pacquioao, has been told that Floyd Mayweather Jr. isn’t as impressive in training as his handlers and a couple of sparring partners claim.
In a conversation with BoxingScene.com/New Standard, Arum, who once handled the career of Mayweather, said: “The reports we are getting is that Floyd is not looking great.”
He, however, pointed out that there is still plenty of time before his showdown with Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 2.
"

Issues Over Terms of Pay-Per-View

Monday, March 30

Joe Flint of Nasdaq.com reported that there are issues over the terms of the pay-per-view for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight:

"
At issue are the terms that Time Warner Inc.'s HBO and CBS Corp.'s Showtime want from pay-television distributors to offer the fight on pay-per-view. A price to watch hasn't been set, but it is expected to be about $90, which would be a new high.

Typically, the split for a pay-per-view fight between distributors and programmers is around 50-50. In this case, HBO, which has rights to Mr. Pacquiao, and Showtime, which has rights to Mr. Mayweather, are seeking much more favorable terms for their fighters.

The initial offer from HBO and Showtime was a 70-30 split, people close to the fight said. Pay-TV providers immediately rejected that and there has been little movement from either side since.
"

Rousey Picks Pacquiao to Win Superfight

Wednesday, March 25

UFC Vice President of Public Relations Dave Sholler shared an image of Ronda Rousey picking Pacquiao to defeat Mayweather during an appearance on ESPN's First Take:

Purse Reportedly Could Reach $180 Million

Tuesday, March 24

Tim Dahlberg of The Associated Press provided new figures for the fight's payoff:

"
New estimates show Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s payoff for fighting Manny Pacquiao could easily be $180 million, up substantially from earlier predictions of $120 million. Pacquiao gets the short end of the purse, but even that is expected to be well over $100 million by the time everything is tallied up.
"

Sky Sports Awarded Rights to Air Mayweather vs. Pacquiao

Tuesday, March 24

Sky Sports News HQ announced that its Sky Sports Box Office had been awarded exclusive rights to show the highly anticipated superfight between Mayweather and Pacquiao.

Sky Sports also announced the cost of the fight in a release:

"
The cost of the event will be £19.95 and €24.95 across all forms of booking up until midnight Friday 1 May. From then on the cost will still be £19.95 / €24.95 if bookings are made via remote control and online, but will cost £24.95 / €29.95 if booked via the phone.
"

Mayweather, Pacquiao Negotiated National Anthem Singers

Monday, March 23

Rafael reported how meticulously Mayweather and Pacquiao negotiated their contract:

Rafael added, "According to Arum, Pacquiao has the right to select the Philippines anthem and Mayweather gets to pick US anthem singer."

Rafael also provided an updated number on the box office sales, along with some historical context on the figure:

Official Fight Poster Revealed

Monday, March 23

HBO Boxing revealed the official poster for the fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao:

Drug Testing Details Revealed

Monday, March 16

Mannix reported that both Mayweather and Pacquiao are subject to random drug testing, but neither can call for a surprise test.

On March 13, Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times reported on the details surrounding the drug testing for the Mayweather-Pacquiao bout:

Pacquiao Not Sparring With Rigondeaux

Monday, March 16

Rafael cleared up reports that Pacquiao would be sparring with junior featherweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux to prepare for the Mayweather fight:

"
It is not true, according to trainer Freddie Roach, who picks the sparring partners.
Rigondeaux as a sparring partner for Pacquiao makes no sense, anyway, because although he is great defensively and fast like Mayweather, he is also about 20 pounds lighter than Pacquiao and left-handed. Pacquiao, who will begin sparring for the fight on Tuesday, has two sparring partners in camp at Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California, to begin with (with more coming). They are Kenneth Simms Jr. (5-0, 2 KOs) and Rashidi Ellis (14-0, 11 KOs).
"

Freddie Roach: Floyd 'Not a Good Role Model'

Monday, March 16

Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, spoke about Mayweather during an interview with Jim Rome (h/t SI.com). Roach offered the following comments:

"
"I mean he’s not a good guy, he’s not a good person, he’s not a good role model,” said Roach, who added that the usually affable Pacquiao doesn’t have much love for Mayweather either.

“I’ve never seen him dislike an opponent in my life, but you know what, he doesn’t like this guy."
"

Arum, Mayweather Feel No Resentment Toward One Another

Friday, March 13

Boxingscene.com reported that Mayweather feels no resentment toward promoter Bob Arum. Arum noted the same, even mentioning Mayweather as a good friend.

Tickets Going for Up to $7,500

Wednesday, March 11

Iole reported that tickets for the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao superfight are going for between $1,500 and $7,500.

Pacquiao Comments on Fight in First Take Interview

Wednesday, March 10

Pacquiao went on ESPN's First Take to discuss his impending fight with Mayweather.

Pacquiao proceeded to issue further comments via his Twitter feed:

Pacquiao Claims He Has Been 'Bored' by Mayweather's Previous Fights

Tuesday, March 10

Aquiles Z. Zonio of Philboxing.com provided comments from Pacquiao, who spoke about Mayweather's style:

"
He should be aggressive during our fight so we can make the fans happy. We all knew how he fights. In fact his previous fights lulled me to sleep. …
But his previous fights bored me. I hope, this time he would be man enough to take some risks. He should prove to the world that he’s a real and fearless fighter, not a runner.
"

Over 600 Media Outlets Will Attend Wednesday's Press Conference

Tuesday, March 10

Showtime Sports executive Stephen Espinoza confirmed that over 600 media outlets will attend the Mayweather-Pacquiao press conference scheduled for Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. ET. The press conference can be watched live here, via SHOsports on YouTube.

Mayweather Posts Training Footage, Pacquiao Confident

Monday, March 9

Mayweather posted the following clip of his second week of training, via Twitter:

Pugmire shared an image of Pacquiao and also provided a brief comment:

Pacquiao's Children Wanted Him to Fight Mayweather

Thursday, March 5

Pacquiao revealed that his children told him in the past they wanted him to fight Mayweather. BoxingInsider.com provided his quote: "My son and my daughter, they really wanted this fight to happen. Three years ago [they said] 'Daddy, I want you to fight Mayweather.'"

Tyson Weighs in on Mayweather-Pacquiao

Wednesday, March 4

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson shared his thoughts on the superfight between Mayweather and Pacquiao. Speaking to SweetScience.com, via CBSSports.com's Lyle Fitzsimmons, Tyson explained why Money will have to be aggressive in the fight:

"
He has to fight. If he's not going to score, he is going to lose the round. Also, if he is laid back, he is going to lose the round. Floyd doesn't throw near a hundred punches per round. He is more of a scientific fighter. He sits around and pulls it. I don't think he is going to be able to play that plot. This guy is all over your face. He moves and feints. He is in perpetual motion.
"

Footage Released of Mayweather and Pacquiao Training

Wednesday, March 4

After footage of Mayweather's training regimen was posted to his Instagram page Tuesday, FightHub revealed highlights from Pacquiao's second day of training:

To this point, Mayweather has been the most active on social media in making his workouts public, adding multiple photos from Shots.com, including the following images of him sparring:

As elusive and technically sound as Mayweather is in the ring, he'll have to deal with the lightning-fast, punishing jab combinations Pacquiao has become famous for. It will be the ultimate test for Mayweather's defensive prowess.

Pacquiao appears to be in fine form and is fresh off three straight victories after it seemed his career was on the ropes when rival Juan Manuel Marquez knocked him out in December 2012.

However, Mayweather has never lost, posting a perfect 47-0 record to date. His next adversary figures to be his toughest, and the stakes couldn't be higher for two of this generation's best pound-for-pound fighters.

Plenty of time remains between now and the fateful date. Based on how much Mayweather likes to talk and how forthcoming Pacman has been about taking on Money the pre-fight hype won't die down whatsoever.