May 1, 2015 (QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES) – The “Fight of the Century”’ between two of the greatest boxing legends of all time, Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, is all set on May 3 at 4 A.M. in KSA and 5 A.M. in UAE and more and more boxing analysts, athletes, and fanatics, including celebrities are placing their ‘bets’ on their choices in the upcoming fight exclusively distributed by The Filipino Channel (TFC) in the Middle East through Pay Per View on TFC, TFC.tv and partners.
In the recent and final press conference held at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada last Wednesday (April 29, Pacific time) boxing analysts weighed in on their fearless forecasts on the upcoming fight.
ESPN boxing analyst Dan Rafael believes that Pacquiao can win the fight if he becomes aggressive more than ever. He said: “The best way for Pacquiao to win is to make sure he gets off to a good start. He should put some rounds in the bank. Mayweather’s a little of a slow starter but if you get behind him early in the fight then it’s a problem.” Rafael added that Mayweather will have a hard time with Pacquiao’s speed, agility, and southpaw punches.
For Yahoo! Sports columnist Kevin Iole, he strongly believes that the fight will end after a 12-round decision with Mayweather taking the WBO, WBC at WBA title. “I think the problems comes to defense. Pacquiao should not get squared up by Floyd. Mayweather has a very good lead right hand against Pacquiao’s left hand and he’ll hit Manny with that,” Iole said.
Veteran ESPN boxing commentator Claudia Trajos affirms that it is not impossible for Pacquiao to win the fight. “In essence yes, I would like to believe that Mayweather is not perfect and at one point he’s going to go down. Most of the world is with Manny,” she said.
From the analysts to the fighters, the predictions shift. Mike Tyson who is considered as one of the greatest fighters in the history of boxing, was one of the many who have openly declared their support for Pacquiao and even disputes Mayweather’s claim that he is greater than Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson. In an interview with Undisputed Champion Network, Tyson said the undefeated pound-for-pound champion is actually a “scared little man.”
Tyson expounded: “He’s (Mayweather) very delusional. Listen, if he was anywhere near that realm of greatness with Ali he’d be able to take his kids to school by himself. He can’t even take his kids to school by himself, and he’s talking about being great?” Tyson went on by saying, “Greatness is not guarding yourself from the people. Greatness is being accepted by the people.” He however, wished both fighters the best of luck and said the upcoming fight will really be interesting.
Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila Ali, who made her early bet on Mayweather, reacted to Mayweather’s claim. In an interview with TMZ, Ali said: “At the end of the day, there’s nothing wrong with feeling that way about yourself as a fighter, but it doesn’t make it true.”
Even Hollywood celebrities who may have had or may never have had an experience with boxing were also pretty vocal about who they think will win the fight also dubbed “The Battle for Greatness.” Actor and producer Mark Wahlberg who became friends with Pacquiao after he made the movie 2010 boxing movie “The Fighter,” even placed a USD 250,000 bet on his Filipino pal. Meantime, actor Keanu Reeves recently visited Pacquiao in his mansion to personally wish the boxer the best of luck. Comedian and host Jimmy Kimmel strongly supports the Filipino boxer through his show where he even sang Pacquiao’s single and entrance song, “Lalaban Ako Para sa Filipino.”
Other notable celebrities who raised a punch to support Pacquiao include Victoria’s Secret super model Adriana Lima, retired NBA player Charles Barkley, Ultimate Fighting Champion (UFC) fighter Ronda Rousey, and actor Live Schreiber.
On the other corner, Hollywood actor Jaime Foxx; rappers and producers Diddy and 50 Cent; retired NBA player Shaquille O’ Neal, retired NFL players Michael Strahan and Tom Brady, political commentator and comedian Bill Maher, showed their support for the Mayweather team also dubbed the ‘Money’ team.
With just over two days to go, Filipinos in the Middle East can join the whole world in witnessing the biggest “Fight of the Century” via Pay Per View on TFC live, with English annotations on May 3 at 4 A.M. in KSA and 5 A.M. in UAE.
For kabayans who will not be able to watch the fight from home or from partner establishments, they can still enjoy the fight from anywhere in the Middle East, online via TFC.tv or via the following cable partners, OSN, Du and E-vision only USD 34.
Big screen fans can also catch the fight at Novo Cinemas across the UAE; Laila Theater in Kuwait; Cineco in Bahrain; and Grand Cinecenter in Qatar. TFC also partnered with sports pubs, bars and hotels in the Middle East to provide more avenues to watch the fight.
For more information on the platforms to watch “Pacquiao Mayweather: Fight of the Century,” visit http://mayweathervspacquiao.me (with additional reports from TJ Manotoc)
