Mayweather vs. Pacquiao: Predictions for March 11 Media Event

The planned media event to promote the upcoming Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao bout will likely be much ado about nothing.

However, it'll be the first organized appearance with the two boxing icons in the same place. It's a spectacle the sports world will be focused on. It'll be awesome to see a non-Photoshopped image that features both fighters.

The event takes place on March 11 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, per Renee Fopalan of GMA News (via MSN.com), and it won't be open to the public.

Here's what you can expect.

Flash, Focus, Record

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Because it is being described as a "red carpet" event, I'd expect a grand entrance and introduction for both fighters. Mayweather is comfortable in this environment, and he'll likely appear more confident. Pacquiao's personality is more understated. He'll likely be more reserved yet not overwhelmed.

There won't be a lot of opportunities for fans to see the two fighters leading up to the fight. ESPN.com's Dan Rafael writes, "So detailed is the contract for the fight that it spelled out that the boxers were obligated to participate in only two news conferences leading up to the bout."

The details of the bout came together relatively late, which has limited the time promoters have to hype the fight. 

Don't expect this to affect the fight's bottom line. The boxing icons are so well known that the lack of hype events won't affect the public's awareness of the fight. This is the most anticipated fight in the history of the sport, and the people will turn out to watch it live or purchase the pay-per-view.

Memorable Sound Bites 

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With every word from the fighters, reporters will be capturing the quotes that will be discussed and referenced at length up to May 2. By the first week in April, most will be tired of the same sound bites, but it'll have to hold us over until the fighters actually meet in person.

Will someone make a specific prediction? Will Mayweather or Pacquiao talk about retirement or their future plans? These are the major things to listen for when each fighter steps up to the microphone.

Respect

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Over the years, the fighters have traded barbs, but now that the fight is a reality, don't expect any over-the-top trash-talk. Whether they admit it or not, there's a ton of mutual respect for the other's skill. This is a special event, and you better believe the fighters understand this.

This is still a pre-fight event, so Mayweather will tell us he's going to defeat Pacquiao. Freddie Roach will express his confidence that Pacquiao will become the "1" in Mayweather's "47-1." It'll be predictable but cool because of the principals involved.

It's long overdue, but the fight of the century is almost here.

Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter. I dig boxing and MMA