Elton John sings “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting,” and right now boxing fans around the world agree.
On May 2nd, two boxers will compete in what is being called the “fight of the century.” Philippine citizen Manny Pacquiao will face American Floyd Mayweather, Jr. in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lovers of boxing have been waiting for this match-up for many years. And they are willing to spend a lot of money to see it.
The MGM Grand Garden Arena can hold an audience of about 16,800 people. Only about 1,000 seats were open to the public. They all went in minutes. The lowest-priced seats sold for about $1,500. People who bought these tickets are re-selling them for $4,000. For the best seats in the arena, sellers are asking as much as $350,000 per ticket.
The rest of the seats were divided among three groups. MGM gets some for its guests. The companies supporting each boxer also control some seats. The rest go to the two television companies sharing broadcast rights.
So, you can watch the fight on television. But, that costs money, too. A pay-per-view order for the fight (in high definition) costs $100. About 3.1 million purchases are expected. The record for pay-per-view purchases happened in 2007. Floyd Mayweather, Jr. beat another boxer, Oscar De La Hoya, in that fight.
The 38-year-old Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is already the highest-earning athlete in the world. He is so rich that he calls himself “Money.” On Tuesday, he carried out the traditional boxing “Grand Arrival.” Mayweather showed up at the MGM with a famous university marching band, dancers and put on a huge show.
He told reporters that he expected to make about $200 million dollars from the fight. Mayweather plans to retire in September, after two more fights. He said his father advised him to do so for health reasons.
If Mayweather beats Pacquiao and then another fighter, he will finish his career with a perfect record: 49 fights, 49 wins. Rocky Marciano is the only other fighter in history to have done that.
A reporter asked Floyd Mayweather, Jr. why he did not want to try to beat Marciano’s record instead of tie it. Mayweather answered, “to get to 50 may be special to you but not to me.”
Manny Pacquiao already holds a record. He is the only fighter to have won championships in eight different weight divisions. He is two years younger than Mayweather but he has fought in 17 more professional fights.
Pacquiao’s record is not perfect like Mayweather’s. He has several losses. But Pacquiao has had more knockouts than Mayweather.
Boxing experts say Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has a better chance of winning Saturday’s fight. But Manny Pacquiao seems to have public support.
Pacquiao is a father of five children. He and his wife have been married for fifteen years. Mr. Pacquiao is a congressman. He was elected to the Philippine House of Representatives at the age of 32. He was also a singer and an actor.
Floyd Mayweather has a troubled public image. He has been arrested at least five times in connection with violence. He has been convicted of violence against women, including the beating of Josie Harris, mother to three of his children. In 2011, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was sentenced to 90 days in jail in connection with that case. He was released after serving 60.
Many critics have argued that boxing officials should punish Mayweather for his behavior outside the ring. They say the Nevada State Athletic Commission should not permit the fighter to box.
Win or lose, Mayweather and Pacquiao will enjoy historic paydays. The two boxers are expected to share about $300 million for the day, the highest payday ever in the history of sports.
I’m Caty Weaver.
