Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Fight Time: PPV Coverage Guide to Championship Bout
Once the historic Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao bout is over, will we remember the details of the fight or just that the two living legends actually fought? It's almost impossible for this fight to live up to the hype. When you've waited six years for an event and had to wonder whether it would ever take place, the anticipation takes on a life of its own.
Fight fans are hoping the build up doesn't completely dwarf the in-ring product. Either way, there are a ton of pay-per-view dollars to be made from this event.
This is a joint PPV venture between HBO and Showtime, and it begins at 9 p.m. ET Saturday. Consumers can order the fight for $99.99 to receive the high-definition transmission or $89.99 for the standard-definition broadcast.
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Obviously, we're all looking forward to the fight. That said, this is bigger than the rounds that will be fought. Here are a few other elements that fight fans and consumers of big events also will be on the lookout for.
Who Got In?
With limited seating available and pricing through the roof for the event, the people present at the fight will likely be similar to a guest list for the most glamorous Hollywood gala. Hardcore and casual fans will likely be caught gazing into the crowd to do their own celebrity count.
Major fights have long been the scene for Hollywood stars, but this fight will take that concept to another level. It could almost be seen as a status symbol to be in attendance. If you're really an A-lister, you'll be at the fight.
Once the fight is over, a recount of the amount of dignitaries in attendance will further position this event as one of the most important in the history of sports.
How Will the Time Be Filled?
Were the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao bout not such a big deal, you might hear more people complaining about the undercard. There are only two other fights scheduled to be shown during the broadcast.
WBC super bantamweight champion Leo Santa Cruz will defend his title against Jose Cayetano, and WBO featherweight titleholder Vasyl Lomachenko will face Gamalier Rodriguez. Neither figures to be seriously tested, and there's a chance both fights could end early.
If that's the case, the folks in charge of the broadcast will have a lot of time to fill as the world waits for the main event.
The Iconic Shots
Digital cameras will work overtime as Mayweather and Pacquiao head to the ring, but the shots of the staredown with referee Kenny Bayless will be surreal. For some, that's when the reality and the magnitude of the moment will sink in.
To borrow a quote from UFC analyst Joe Rogan, we might all say to ourselves: "I can't believe this is really going to happen."
Before Saturday, we could only hope to see such a thing in a video game with created versions of Mayweather Jr. Now, we'll get an opportunity to see it in real life.
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