Mayweather vs. Pacquiao: High Price Won't Hurt PPV Sales
Near three-digit pay-per-view prices won't keep fans from watching Floyd Mayweather Jr. take on Manny "Pac-Man" Pacquiao on May 2 in Las Vegas. Per Joe Flint of The Wall Street Journal, the bout is reportedly going to cost $99 to order in high definition and $89 in standard definition.
The previous HD record was $74.95.
As exorbitant as that price might sound, the draw of this fight supersedes the cost. Per Dan Rafael ESPN.com, who spoke with Top Rank Boxing promoter Bob Arum, the gate is expected to surpass the $74 million mark. That's with the lowest ticket cost at the MGM Grand set at $1,500.
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Even Arum sounded astonished at the appeal of the bout. He said: "It's crazy, but it is what it is. It's amazing."
If people are willing to pay $1,500 to watch a fight without choice seats and without the ability to record it and view it a second time, it seems logical that others would pay $99 to watch from their homes and reap those benefits.
No matter who you are or where you're from, nine times out of 10, you not only know both fighters, but you're also likely aware the two have a bit of a rivalry.
While they've never fought—and only recently met in person—Mayweather and Pacquiao have long been considered the two best fighters in the world. The two have had on-again, off-again negotiations since 2009, but until recently, the two sides couldn't come to an agreement.
Because of all the near misses, Mayweather's undefeated record, and Pacquiao's fall and return to consistency, the hype for the fight is at an all-time high.
Mayweather-Pacquiao has far surpassed a boxing event or even a traditional world championship fight as it pertains to pop culture notoriety. This bout will eliminate the biggest "what if" question in the sport. Most sports never get to see such a thing happen.
Arum believes the fact that the fight is taking place now has helped the popularity of the major event.
"We wouldn't have gotten a fraction of these numbers if we made the fight five years ago. It turned out that we're doing the fight at the right time, I guess, not that we're geniuses for waiting this long."
The popularity of Premier Boxing Champions, the new boxing series on several network channels that is headed by Mayweather's adviser Al Haymon, has also raised the popularity of the sport among mainstream sports fans. That too has helped to make this a great time for the fight to finally happen.
While many may gripe about the price, they'll likely do so as they hold their remotes to make their purchase. This is a must-see event for most any fan with even a remote interest in the sport.
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