The hype surrounding the Floyd Mayweather Manny Pacquiao fight is the most we have seen in a very long time. But apart from the huge amount of money involved in this fight, is this really the most epic competition ever? How does it compare to some epic contests of the past?
The fight is being termed “the Fight of a Lifetime” and it definitely has the potential to be a great contest. The buildup has been more than anyone could expect and most of this can be attributed to the fact that the entire Philippines is going to be supporting Pacquiao. But is this really a match that can compare to the great Ali vs Frazier match of 1971 at the garden? Both these fighters aren’t even at their peak right now with Pacquiao already 36 while Mayweather is 38. This doesn’t mean they won’t give it their all or that they aren’t the two best boxers of the last two decades. But calling this fight the best of all time is going a little overboard to say the least.
One thing is for sure though. The fight is going to be the most lucrative ever with more than $ 400 million expected from ticket sales and TV revenues. This will obviously be split 60-40 in favor of Mayweather. So while Mayweather can expect something around $ 150 million, Pacquiao will get at least $ 100 million.
While Mayweather has won 11 titles in his career, Pacquiao has won 6 although there is no way anyone could say that Mayweather is a favorite. He might just pick up the victory but Pacquiao is going to make it as tough as he can.
And as far as the best fights of all time are concerned, nothing can be said of Mayweather vs Pacquiao until it’s over although it will have to be a spectacle in order to be spoken of together with fights like Ali vs Foreman and all three of Ali’s matches with Frazier.