PacMan and Floyd vow to deliver ‘Fight of the Century’

Pacquiao at the Nokia Theatre press conference. PHOTO BY GARY DE GUZMAN

LOS ANGELES — Less than two months before the epic welterweight world championship unification bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, more than 700 credentialed media members from around the world descended on the Nokia Theatre at LA Live for a press conference with boxing’s most hyped rivals. It was just a taste of things to come.

Clad in a Louis Vuitton dark suit and tie, the Philippine congressman from Sarangani beamed with pride as he walked on the glitzy, Hollywood-style red carpet.

“I am happy to be here,” the “Fighter of the Decade” told Manila Mail as he was ushered to the center for his photo-op with trainer Freddie Roach and Bob Arum, CEO of Top Rank.

“This fight is going to bring tremendous revenue to all of Las Vegas,” Arum told reporters.

“I would’ve been put in a terrible position if I would’ve tried to move this fight out of Las Vegas, as I am a resident,” Arum explained. “Truly, the fight belongs in Las Vegas. Thousands and thousands of people will pour into Las Vegas just to be a part of the scene. This will be the biggest event in the history of Las Vegas.”

To which Mayweather said: “I hope the fight meets the hype. All we can do as fighters is go out there and perform, and do what we do best.”

Boxing milestone

The Mayweather-Pacquiao bout, touted as a milestone in boxing history, is slated May 2 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. Seen by critics as the underdog in this fight, Pacquiao is unfazed.

“I like being the underdog going into a fight,” he said. “It has been awhile since I’ve been one. This time around, it gives me much more motivation and I am determined to prove that I can win.”

Facing Oscar De La Hoya, Antonio Margarito and Miguel Cotto in the ring caused him more distress than the upcoming bout with Mayweather, claimed the “PacMan.”

“Floyd’s legs are more shot now and he has slowed down quite a bit. I think we can take advantage of that,” Roach added, noting that Mayweather had a better chance of beating Pacquiao five years ago.

The trainer is confident that the “Fighting Congressman” will win the bout methodically.

“We will make the right move before we attack him. Our game plan is to win every round. If we get the knockout, then that’s just a bonus. Floyd will dip into Manny’s power. That’s the mistake that someone will make against a southpaw. We have to win the first round and take Floyd out of his comfort zone,” Roach said.

Arum, former promoter of Mayweather and Pacquiao’s current, admitted that his heart belongs to “PacMan,” but emphasized he has no animosity towards Mayweather. “Floyd has always remained a good friend; I have nothing whatsoever bad to say about Floyd as a person.”

He credited both champions for the fight that is “finally happening” after several failed attempts since 2010.

Face-off

Inside the Nokia Theatre, the top two fighters of this generation faced each other to signal that their much-anticipated battle is on.

“The most important thing is dedicating this fight to glorify God,” Pacquiao said in his speech. “He raised me from nothing into something.”

After the press con, he told reporters: “Boxing is my passion, I love boxing. I have been able to help my family through boxing.”

Training daily since the beginning of March in Glendale, California, Pacquiao assured his fans that “this fight has been well worth the wait. More people are familiar with us as fighters, even people who aren’t fans of boxing know about this fight.”

Timing

It’s all about timing for Mayweather, the undefeated No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

“This fight could’ve happened a long time ago, but it’s the right time now. It’s an unbelievable matchup and I know the fans can’t wait for this. The timing is right and the timing is now,” he declaredl

Disputing detractors who have called it his retirement fight, Mayweather said: “We have faced all the top guys in this sport and have beaten all the top guys. After this fight, [in] which I believe I will be victorious, then we will move on to another guy.”

He also dismissed insinuations that his focus is more on the prize than the fight.

“I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if it wasn’t for all the writers and media outlets. I am thankful for each person, whether it was a good story or bad story. For 19 years, you guys kept me relevant. As far as the money persona, it really has reinvented itself. I was ‘Pretty Boy Floyd’ and then I came back as Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather. It’s all about reinventing yourself. I want to continue making smart investments so my grandkids are okay.”

The May 2 “Fight of the Century” is co-promoted by Top Rank and Mayweather Promotions with the pay-per-view telecast co-produced and co-distributed by Showtime and HBO beginning at 9 p.m. Eastern/ 6 p.m. Pacific.

The event promises to be “a tremendous fight between two great champions and two great men. May 2 will be a spectacle unlike anything that Las Vegas has ever seen before,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions.

Tickets have long been sold-out, but on March 11 promoters announced a newly opened limited seating priced between $1,500 and $7,500.