Boxing News 2015: Mayweather-Pacquiao Announcement Imminent—Reports
The wait for the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao announcement continues but unlike the past few weeks it appears the official announcement, which will likely come from Mayweather himself, is imminent. Twitter was abuzz on Thursday night and on Friday morning as multiple reputable sports personalities have confirmed that the fight is set and just waiting for the official word from the undefeated American.
From Dan Rafael, boxing writer for ESPN.com:
A busy morning has caused me to hereby raise the #MayweatherPacquiao threat level to red. There is severe risk this fight will be finalized.
— Dan Rafael (@danrafaelespn) February 19, 2015Basically every1 involved in #MayweatherPacquiao (both sides) simply waiting for Floyd to announce. All are calm & say negotiation complete.
— Dan Rafael (@danrafaelespn) February 19, 2015From Michelle Joy Phelps, boxing reporter and chief executive officer of Behind the Gloves:
In a matter of min/ hours Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will be the most talked about fighters in the entire world #MayweatherPacquiao
— Michelle Joy Phelps (@MichellePhelps) February 19, 2015From Eddie Hearn, sports promoter and managing director of Matchroom Sports:
Glad I got my couple of announcements in before the madness that looks like coming later! #MayweatherPacquiao
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) February 19, 2015From Chris Mannix, senior writer for Sports Illustrated:
Source involved with Pacquiao-Mayweather talks on a possible announcement: "Ask Floyd." By all accounts, negotiations are done.
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) February 19, 2015From Stephen Espinoza, Showtime Sports executive:
Would've been a good idea in Nov. Now it's just an idea. "@TDBBoxingClub: good idea for me to reserve hotel for 5/2 if I'm a Pac & May fan?
— Stephen Espinoza (@StephenEspinoza) February 19, 2015Absolutely. No issue re timing. "@Texas2Fists: @StephenEspinoza from the promotion side of things, is there enough time for a May 2 fight?"
— Stephen Espinoza (@StephenEspinoza) February 19, 2015Earlier reports in February claim that the fight will be worth $250 million with a 60 to 40 per cent sharing in favour of Mayweather. The fight gloves used will be 8-ounce gloves and the mandated drug tests for both fighters will be done by the United States Anti-Doping Agency, or USADA. There are also unconfirmed reports that there’s a rematch clause in the fight contract and will be worth even bigger at $300 million for both fighters.
The Mayweather-Pacquiao fight has been discussed since 2009-2010 but negotations broke down during that time because of differences from both camps. Mayweather is undefeated in his career and is coming off wins against Marcos Maidana twice and Saul Alvarez while Pacquiao is coming off a three-fight win over Brandon Rios, Timothy Bradley and Chris Algieri.
The Mayweather-Pacquiao fight will happen at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 2, 2015.
Email j.gloria@IBTimes.com.au to contact author.
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