Screen capture courtesy of Showtime Sports.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao had their first press conference in Los Angeles at the Nokia Theatre and it was oddly entertaining. Perhaps it’s because many never expected this to actually happen, and some might still be in shock by the announcement that was made last February. It was nothing fancy, and fairly relaxed, but it did the job. The fight sells itself really, but I’m all for awkward face-offs.
Pacquiao strutted to the stage first to the sounds of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” looking relaxed and happy. Mayweather arrived next to Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” Both chose some classic tunes suitable for this epic bout. When they turned to face each other onstage, it was like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino sharing a scene together for the first time in Heat. Well, except Mayweather looked as serious as Dirty Harry and Pacquiao looked like he was trying to hold back a smirk. The man just can’t stop smiling.
There wasn’t too much going on in this press conference, but Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach did manage to throw some verbal jabs.
“This is the biggest challenge of my life. Ive been looking forward to this for a long, long time,” Roach said. “We’re fighting the best fighter in the world, but we’re gonna kick his ass.”
Both Roach and Pacquiao seemed very confident about the fight, but let’s hope they’re not too confident. Mayweather, on the other hand, was laid back for the most part. Some say he looked a little nervous, but it seems that he was more focused than anything.
“May two, the fight of the century,” Mayweather said. “This is an unbelievable matchup. I’ve never wanted to win a fight so bad in my life.”
Despite being more reserved than usual, Mayweather still managed to try and subtly play mind games with Pacquiao. Mayweather went on to speak about how defeat sticks with you forever, planting itself in your mind (he was obviously referring to Pacquiao’s loss to Marquez). This is very true; however, it’s how you react to those moments of defeat that matter. This could fuel Pacquiao’s drive or make him much more cautious than he should be. It all depends on the man, the mindset, and the moment.
On the other hand, Pacquiao seemed very confident in himself when it was his turn to take the podium, but he was a gentlemen and didn’t really say anything surprising.
“For the fans of boxing, I believe, this is what you are waiting for since five years ago. The fight is on and I know you are very excited. Both of us are going to undergo hard training for this fight and we will do our best on May 2 to make you (the fans) happy,” Pacquiao said.
In a day and age where the sport of boxing has so many obstacles to overcome in order to put the two best pugilists in the ring, this is something of a man-made miracle. From here until the men are in that ring, there will be waves of opinion that will drown this fight. By the end of the bout, the truth will prevail. As in boxing, as in life.
Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, announced that face value for tickets will range from $1,500 to $7,500. You can take your chances with Go Fund Me for this match or settle for the $100 HD PPV. The countdown has begun for the biggest fight of this era in boxing.
The face-off:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORqumnKVcY4
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