We still cant’ believe that Mayweather v. Pacquiao will actually occur in less than three weeks. Since the announcement the Internet has been buzzing with a myriad of reports, highlights and bits from experts and laymen alike. Given our consistent history in covering the sport, we’d like to go beyond the fluff and do a deeper dive about arguably the biggest fight boxing has seen in over 20 years. Here are what we consider to be five unspoken truths about what is simply being called “MayPac”.
5. MayPac Is Happening Because Les Moonves Wants It To
Its pretty well known that since Mayweather signed that six fight multi-million dollar mega-deal with Showtime, the ratings and pay-per-view buys have not supported the cash outlay by the network to Money May. This fight (or fights – but more on that later) could more than make up for the recent financial losses. Add to this mix Al Haymon wanting to bring boxing back to network television. Why does this matter? Because Haymon essentially controls or lets say has an inordinate amount of influence over a myriad of high-profile fighters including Mayweather. Moonves essentially controls Showtime, since it is owned by CBS. Word has it that Moonves allegedly forced Haymon’s hand to make the fight. Failure to do so would mean Haymon could say good-bye to his network deal as far as CBS is concerned. Viola! All of a sudden we have a fight. Yes, this is based on hearsay, indirect reports, rumors, etc. However, if you look at the timing, the numbers and the power players, this is a very conceivable scenario.
4. MayPac is Making People Relevant
When was the last time you heard Marvin Hagler or Vinny Pazienza speak to the press?!?!?! Point being, every fighter, non-fighter, celebrity, psuedo-celebrity or otherwise wants to be down with this in some form or fashion. Hence breakdowns of the fighters and opinions on who will win and why. You’ve got celeb’s paying visits to the fighters training camp, etc. Bottom line is this fight is bigger than boxing, its part of the global conversation right now. Many boxing and non-boxing fans know about it and want to be down.
3. This Fight Will Not Save Boxing
Because boxing will never die. The sport of boxing was part of the very first Olympic games, dating back to the B.C. era. Sure, it has undergone various transformations, ebbs and flows in popularity, competition from new sports such as MMA and is often a victim of its own insider’s greed – we’re talking to you promoters and governing bodies. Yet, it remains. Back in 2008 when Mayweather fought Oscar De La Hoya, pundits and press championed that bout as the fight to save boxing. But, with the likes of the Mayweather’s and Pacquiao’s of the world (and a litany of other talented fighters) the sport has carried on just fine. As a result, while MayPac will and already has raised boxing’s profile it is not the fight that will save the sport.
2. This Fight Defines Mayweather’s Entire Legacy
Money May will never cop to it, but he has been accused in the past of dodging certain opponents he deemed a threat to his undefeated record. Shane Moseley had to literally confront him in a post-fight interview to goad him into a match. Granted, Mayweather easily defeated Mosely but it took some badgering before the fight could get done. The point is word in the industry is Mayweather hand-picks his opponents. Pacquiao is not a hand-pick. This fight is happening because of public outcry, constant badgering by the media and the powers at be imposing their leverage. Mayweather didn’t really pick this fight, as much as it was imposed upon him. Should he lose, the body of work he has amassed will come under scrutiny, as will his moniker “TBE” – The Best Ever. Yet, if he wins, the man will essentially have done it all in the ring. Naysayers will be quelled. Either way MayPac will be a defining moment in his career — no matter what either fighter says.
1. There Will Be a Re-Match
Call us conspiracy theorists here, as to the outcome, we feel like Mayweather will have to severely dominate or knockout Manny to win. Yes, call us crazy, but remember Mayweather-Canelo? One judge actually gave it to Canelo. Even Canelo himself disagreed with that score. Our reasoning here, is that if it is remotely close, there is way more money to be made for all concerned by having a re-match.
