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J. Michael Falgoust, USA TODAY
LAS VEGAS — What happened at Friday's weigh-in was expected.
The crowd of about 4,000 would be decidely for Juan Manuel Marquez, a three-division champion moving up from 135 pounds to face Floyd Mayweather Jr., the former welterweight champion and pound-for-pound king who is ending a two-year layoff.
OPPORTUNITY: Marquez takes shot at greatness
The welterweight bout was expected to take place slightly below the 147-pound limit, but Mayweather came in at 146 pounds. Marquez, who has never fought at a weight this high before, was 142.
According to Keith Kizer, executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, the bout was supposed to have a weight limit of 144. However, before Friday's weigh-in, Mayweather's camp asked Marquez if they could move it up to 147.
Without dispute, Kizer says, Marquez agreed to the change. Marquez is slated to make a base salary of $2 million that likely will increase by $500,000 because of the weight adjustment.
Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, wouldn't confirm or deny Kizer's version of events. "We've said all along, this is a welterweight fight," Ellerbe said.
The bout airs Saturday on HBO PPV, 9 p.m. ET.
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