By Jake Donovan
Tuesday’s press conference in Los Angeles to formally announce the June 9 pay-per-view event between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley came with economy-friendly news.
As has been the case with the past few Pacquiao-headlined shows, Tecate – the event’s leading sponsor – will be offering a rebate with the purchase of their product (12-pack, 18-pack or 24-pack) and the pay-per-view event itself.
“Further details will be announced, but it’s a terrific deal,” noted Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum, whose Top Rank Inc. company presents the event with HBO PPV live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. “You buy a case of Tecate and watch the fight with your friends, and you get a major portion of the PPV back when you send in the rebate coupon.”
Tecate has proven itself to be among the sport’s biggest supporters, with its PPV rebate program dating as far back as 2007. It has been on board for most of Pacquiao’s pay-per-view appearances for the past several years, including last November’s close call in his third fight with Juan Manuel Marquez.
Traditionally, the program calls for the purchase of a 12-pack or larger of Tecate beer prior to the event and for the receipt to be mailed in with the rebate form and cable or satellite bill showing proof of pay-per-view purchase.
Past deals have offered rebates as much as $25, which exceeds the average cost of even a case of Tecate. Smaller-sized purchases mean that much more would go towards the pay-per-view event, whose suggested retail price has yet to be revealed. Pacquiao’s narrow points win over Marquez topped a show that was offered at $54.95 (extra for those who purchase in HD).
“Tecate has really supported the sport of boxing and has been supporting us in so many Manny Pacquiao fights.”
Also confirmed during the press conference was that the event will be made available on Top Rank’s website, www.toprank.tv . The feed will be purchased-based as was the case with its online presentation of the last two Top Rank-promoted pay-per-view events – Pacquiao-Marquez III and Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito II.
“This event will be transmitted on the Internet. I’ve been told that 250,000 people are watching this press conference, which goes well in regards to the enthusiasm that will pick up as we go towards June 9,” Arum stated.
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com. Follow Jake on Twitter at twitter.com/JakeNDaBox or submit questions/comments to JakeNDaBox@gmail.com .