Floyd Mayweather JR Vs Manny Pacquiao: Who Deserves the Bigger Cut?
By Gina L. Caliboso
1.4 million PPV buys versus 700,000 PPV buys. The undefeated consummate trash talker versus the humble, hard working boxer that has won belts in 7 weight divisions. To test or not to test. Here we go fight fans. If you haven’t figured it out, I’m talking about Floyd “Money” Mayweather, JR., versus Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. As the waiting game continues, there are a few matters that needed to be cleared up, a few compromises that may have to be made. Since there has been so many “he said, he says” accusations circulating out there, I’ll just bring up the obvious points and you can make up your own mind. Should you decide to leave a comment or two, and as any ref says before a boxing match, “let’s keep it clean and protect yourself at all times” (myself included.)
Issue #1 – What type of testing should take place?
No real option here for both fighters. On HBO’s 24/7, Mayweather put himself out there that he intends to clean up the sport of boxing. He put up the blood and urine and basically closed the door on any lingering doubts that he’s loaded to any capacity on PED’s. Mosley admitted his own experience in the BALCO allegations. As of late, Pacquiao countered with a window of 14 days for testing. There you have it – an opening. Any word from Mayweather? His way or no way? Now, I’m beginning to wonder if he’s all talk or not.
Compromise/Solution: None. Both Mayweather and Pacquiao need to agree on the method of testing.
Issue #2 – Where should the fight take place?
Las Vegas, Nevada, has been kind to both Mayweather and Pacquiao. But after his last bout against Clottey, Cowboys Stadium would be a great venue for the superbout. As the Clottey bout showed, the stadium had a varied ticket price that enabled the everyday recession ridden fight fan to get a ticket to a potentially momentous boxing event. Before Vegas, fights took over all over the world. Think “Rumble in the Jungle” and the “Thrilla’ in Manila.” According to reports for the Clottey-Pacquiao bout, boxing fans paid a range of ticket prices from $35 for standing room to $700 for ringside seats. Here’s a stat that I think is a little off kilter and I’m from Los Angeles – parking prices ranged from $30 to $50. It would cost more to park than attend the bout? Maybe a LCD HD flat screen in the parking lot. I’ve been theorizing that Pacquiao should fight a bout in the Philippines.
That’s more of a homecoming symbolic gesture. Also, for any of you that don’t know and I do by experience, the flights to the Philippines are a little long. You could very well land in Manila but not be fully okay with the time change until you are ready to leave.
As offered with the Bernard Hopkins – Roy Jones fight, the fight would be broadcast at select movie theatres. This option might generate additional revenue.
Compromise/Solution: Both fighters agree to fight at Texas Stadium. But I see Mayweather just wanting to stay in Vegas.
Issue #3: Money, money, money – Who deserves the lion share?
I began this article with a startling figure. Mayweather – Mosley generated the second largest amount of PPV buys at 1.4 million. Let’s take into consideration the bout as a non-heavyweight bout. And who was number one? You guessed it. Mayweather’s 2007 fight against Oscar De La Hoya generated 2.45 million PPV buys. For the sake of argument, Mayweather is a draw. His trash talking “I’m number one I don’t take steroids” speak has a lot of draw. Mayweather is undefeated. He showed great athleticism and adaptation in his unanimous decision against Mosley. I’m not going to deny that he makes for the perfect foil to my favorite boxer Pacquiao.
I do offer that Mayweather’s boxing style with his speed and shoulder defense is effective no doubt. But really, it’s boring. Boxers do have a level of personal responsibility to give the fans their money’s worth and Mayweather’s boxing style while undefeated and untested, it’s not entertaining. It’s scientific, technical, and tactical. It works. Mayweather showed a lot in his fight against Mosley. So I just gave proof that in terms of appeal and money, Mayweather’s undefeated record and appeal is worth something. His fights rank at 1 and 2 for PPV buys. He completely deserves a share of the PPV revenue.
But I’m not done yet, Pacquiao deserves every accolade as well. Here’s a man that has rightfully fought his way through seven weight divisions to become the greatest pound for pound champion of his generation. The Filipino fighter has entertaining speed and has battled through with a lot of blood against the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Erik Morales. The quality of fighter that Pacquiao has faced throughout his career has not been suspect nor questioned. Pacquiao has become better with each and every fight.
Against Cotto, Pacquiao’s awesome display of speed left little doubt to his taking a fight. Against Clottey, his punch production without getting tired had fight fans really appreciate his hard work and dedication. If I were Pacquiao and seeing how he has a life outside the ring, it could very well be a last hurrah and good-bye to boxing, then I’d ask for the lion’s share of the revenue – maybe even 25% – 30% more so than Mayweather. And I’m being generous. Mayweather, however, is no fool, and he will want the amount to be just as enticing. This superbout could very well be Mayweather’s last fight too.
Compromise/Solution: Should Mayweather get his way on testing and venue, he just may compromise on the revenue and take a lesser guaranteed amount to fight Pacquiao. Pacquiao earned approximately $12 million against Clottey. Mayweather earned closed to $22.5 million against Mosley. I’ll put it out there – $25 million for Pacquiao guaranteed. It’s a small price to pay to get your way in two out of three issues.
There is something brewing in the talks between Pacquiao and Mayweather. It would be in both fighters’ interest to stay silent on the challenges of compromise in order for the bout to happen. There is a fight to be had somewhere. To date, Pacquiao has recently become elected to serve his people. On my Facebook, Mayweather waits the results of the Lakers and Celtics. It’s only a matter of time before the fight date will be set. And then, all the issues I mentioned will no longer be obstacles. Overall, both Pacquiao and Mayweather know that there will be no compromise when it comes to proving who does stand as the best boxer.