Floyd Mayweather JR Vs Manny Pacquiao: WHO DESERVES MORE MONEY? – BOXING NEWS
By Geno McGahee
It has been revealed that Manny Pacquiao, 54-3-2, 38 KO’s, was guaranteed 40 million dollars to step into the ring with Floyd Mayweather, JR., 42-0, 26 KO’s, which was an offer that was quickly shot down. The argument as to who is the bigger attraction seems to be at the center of this. Floyd has turned down a 50/50 split of the proceeds. As normal, Mayweather wants to be holding all of the cards, but that is not something that Pacquiao will allow at this point.
It is an odd situation to see a fighter turn down 40 million dollars and it is even strange for a fighter to not split the purse 50/50 in a fight where even 50% would make more than he’s ever made in any other fight, but this is boxing and these are the two fighters that currently are the most popular and supposed best in the game. The boxing fans want to see this fight, but the business of boxing is present a lot more than the sport is. This is why this fight keeps falling apart and will continue to do so. With all of this money involved, the two cannot agree on everything and with others trying to stop the fight, like promoter Bob Arum, the odds are heavily against it materializing.
Who deserves the bigger share of the purse? The answer is, like it or not, Floyd Mayweather, JR. He’s undefeated and more people want to see him fight. Most that want to see him fight watch with a glimmer of hope that his opponent will find the shot that puts down “Money” for the 10 count. Manny Pacquiao is seen as a guy that could potentially land the shot, but keep in mind, he’s 15-0, 7 KO’s, in his last fifteen fights. That’s not a good KO percentage. Would you bet that a guy with a 47% KO ratio could stop Floyd Mayweather, JR? The answer is no and the odds of him beating Floyd any other way are even less.
Although Manny has a fan base in the United States, evidenced by his PPV sales, the majority of his support comes from the Philippines, where he can do no wrong. He enjoys a Godly status there and if he ever loses, expect those fans to quickly come up with excuses as to why it happened. Pacquiao cannot sell a fight unless it’s competitive. He is a fighter, plain and simple. Floyd is more of a salesman. The “Money Mayweather” character was created when Floyd couldn’t draw a crowd. The soft spoken, talented counter-puncher was ignored by boxing fans until he began sounding off. He now lives by that character and people want to see him lose desperately. That is why most were saying “go get him” when Victor Ortiz flagrantly head-butted him in the jaw. The fans were just happy that somebody finally hit Floyd…even if it was with a head butt.
The Mayweather-Pacquiao fight is something that would be nice to get out of the way. It has been front page boxing news for quite some time…much like when Lennox Lewis and Riddick Bowe wouldn’t fight. Well, Lewis wanted to fight. Bowe was hiding under his bed. It frustrated the American public and now this frustrates them as well, but the interest is dwindling. If they go another year, boxing may find new stars eager to step up and ready to catch the imagination of the public. We can at least hope that! Boxing has been stale for so long that it needs a shot in the arm desperately.
Much like Zab Judah did against Cory Spinks in the rematch, if Pacquiao really wants this fight and this fight really isn’t about money, which he has contended, then take the smaller share. Unlike Judah, who took about 100 grand for the fight, Pacquiao stands to make 40 million or more. That’s not too bad of a compromise. Manny should call the bluff and take the fight if Floyd is willing and get the thing done before another year passes. After watching Pacquiao lose to Juan Manuel Marquez (but win on the scorecards), the time should be now to make the money and take what you have left to Floyd in hopes of landing that miracle punch.
