Abu Dhabi is the site of the proposed record-setting Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao bout scheduled for the first half of 2015.
“Let there be no question nor confusion about the location of the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight,” said M. Akbar Muhammad, a long-time boxing executive and one of the principals of the Abu Dhabi-based investment group which is funding the week-long event. “It will be Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.”
The event also will serve as a tribute to Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late Emir of Abu Dhabi and the first president of the United Arab Emirates, on the 10th anniversary of his passing, said Muhammad.
Muhammad said he is offering additional specifics as a result of considerable attention and conjecture by international media as well as the boxing industry.
“After we announced the record purse offer of $110 million to Floyd Mayweather and Mayweather Promotions last week, speculation as to the location started,” said Muhammad.
“Some members of the media said the fight would be, for instance, in Dubai,” said Muhammad. “That is 100 percent incorrect. Abu Dhabi is and always has been the one and only site for this event.”
The investment group, which Muhammad says is prepared to offer combined purses to Mayweather and Pacquaio of almost $200 million, is comprised of individuals from Abu Dhbai.
In addition to receiving a record-setting purse, Mayweather Promotions, LLC will be the lead promoter of the event and a partner with the investment group; it also can be the promoter of other boxing cards in the UAE, said Muhammad.
“The Abu Dhabi group a most serious and capable investment entity in the sport of boxing,” said Muhammad. “It is ready, willing and able to fund to the extent necessary to turn the theory of a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight into reality,” said Muhammad.
“Thus, my instructions remain the same: do whatever it takes to bring this long-awaited and eagerly anticipated fight across the line,” said Muhammad.
Muhammad, president and chief operating officer of Akbar Productions, LLC of New Jersey, has extensive experience in all phases of boxing. He has managed five professional world champions; guided two Olympic gold medalists; and produced world championship, internationally televised boxing cards in more than one dozen countries.
