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Random Boxing Scribes give their take on the early Pacquiao-Mayweather buzz
December 10
Las Vegas Boxing Examiner
Chris Robinson
Sometimes when you get caught up in something it’s good to take a step back and clear your head.
The ongoing drama regarding the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao bout has been well documented and it has been easy for one to lose themselves in all of the confusion and speculation. Pacquiao-Mayweather is the kind of fight that generates interest and passion of another kind and one could be forgiven for getting caught up in the moment of it all.
I asked my boxing brethren some simple questions, such as when and where they thought the fight was going to take place, if at all, and what it is like seeing Floyd Mayweather back in the spotlight after all these years. I also asked everyone’s opinion on what the fight meant to the sport and how everything would play itself out from this point forward.
The answers and feedback I received were chalked full of insight, intellect, and pure emotion. Below is a comprehensive take from some boxing scribes, who I all respect for different reasons, all in regards to Pacquiao vs. Mayweather...
Matt Yano
15 rounds dot com“I think the fight will take place in May since there have been many PPV successes in May. Pacquiao also just fought and had some injuries.
I was never a fan of Mayweather since he didn't always fight the best and is extremely arrogant. I actually thought boxing was better off without him since Pacquiao is genuinely better for the sport, both in terms of caring about the sport iself and making entertaining fights.
I expect the promotion to be enormous, obviously all kinds of crazy PR and monstrous media tours like never beofore.
I am rooting for Pacquiao but I think Mayweather wins a shady split decision.”
Ryan ********
Boxing Scene “I do think the fight will take place in March because the public and HBO have been putting an extreme amount of pressure on both sides to get this fight made. With both fighting at the highest level, either man can be upset and spoil this major money fight. The fight cannot possibly be hotter than it is right now and I think that will influence the scheduling of this fight in a big way.
It was good to see Mayweather back in the ring because he is easily the sport's most proficient technician though he was underwhelming against a much smaller opponent his last time out. I think the mystique of Mayweather's unbeaten record will continue to make him a marketable figure. People want to see Mayweather beaten just as they want to appreciate his technical mastery.
I cannot remember the last time there was such public demand for a fight to be made. When I think back to the "super fights" of my lifetime, Lewis-Tyson, De la Hoya-Trinidad, none of them were as highly anticipated as this fight. Here you have the two best fighters in the world fighting for the right to be called the best in the world.
They come from different backgrounds with different styles with different personalities. I cannot envision two drastically different people to polarize sports fans. This fight will undoubtedly raise the profile of the sport at large.
The last time we had a Mayweather "super fight" was his fight with De la Hoya. De la Hoya was in that fight simply because he was the biggest draw in the sport. That fight, though it did extremely well financially, under whelmed many casual fans and might have set the sport back in the long run.
Pacquiao, a prime, aggressive fighter, will force the best out of Mayweather in victory or defeat. Basically what I'm saying is that there is next to no chance that this fight can be the underwhelming sparring session the Mayweather-De la Hoya fight was.”
Ryan Bates
411 Mania dot com“Call me Captain Bringdown, but even though it's allegedly agreed to, I just don't buy it. Floyd's got an escape plan of some sort lined up. Do not be surprised if this somehow falls through.
As for Floyd returning to the sport, it's kinda like when a kid you don't like transfers out of your school, but then two years later he's back. In my opinion, Floyd is a spoiled brat who ducks real questions as well as he ducks real challenges, so what's it like seeing him back in the spotlight? I could do without it.
I'm almost saddened by the fact that all anyone wants to do is talk about this potential fight when so many great match-ups are coming up. Diaz/Malignaggi II and Bradley/Peterson are both this weekend, how much coverage are you hearing there? Mosley/Berto is coming up in January, you're barely hearing a peep. As great as this fight might be (should it happen), there's so much other great boxing out there right now.
Frankly until it's signed, sealed and delivered everything is over-speculation. Let's get an official word of a fight first."
Michael Marley
“I think the fight will wind up at the MGM. I know they were supposed to visit Jerry Jones in Dallas and maybe there will be a proposal from New Orleans, but New Orleans is still hurting from Hurricane Katrina. Dallas could be a good place but for as big as a fight as it is, it’s still a fight between Mayweather and a guy from the Philippines. If you had a Mexican opponent, like a Marquez or a Chavez type of guy than I think Dallas would make more sense but at the end of the day Vegas wins out.
I’m convinced that on March 13th, 2010 we’ll all be out there again to see Mayweather and Pacquiao in the ring. Especially now given the financial situation, Vegas is still on the ropes and Vegas needs this fight. The city of Dallas is going to roll on with or without the fight. Las Vegas needs it and the MGM Grand, the same company that owns the Mirage and the MGM and Mandalay Bay, I think they are going to clamp down and I don’t think they are going to let this fight of the century out their grasp”
Vivek Wallace
East Side Boxing
“The mere thought of this showdown is absolutely incredible, as I see it, for the simple fact that over time, history has always found a way of separating legends and keeping us fans speculating on who was actually better. What would have happened if Jordan played in Kobe's era? What would have happened if Ali fought in Tyson's era? Well, for once, history finally got it right! Fight fans now sit on the cusp of a showdown featuring two men with legendary skills which transcend any era of the sport. 'Undefeated' meets 'Undisputed'. 2 Legends, 1 Night, No excuses! Can it get any bigger?”
Thomas Hauser
Seconds Out
“It will be a huge fight if it happens. It will be a crossover fight that attracts interest from the mainstream media and people who don’t know anything about boxing. Once again it’s Floyd looking for the edge, which he will have here again in size. The fight weight we are hearing about is 147 and on fight night Floyd could be coming into the ring with a ten pound weight advantage. So be it.
I don’t think Floyd has to redeem himself. He doesn’t have to apologize for what he’s accomplished. He’s had a great career so far and he has more good fights left in him. Now he’s fighting Manny Pacquiao. He presents a formidable challenge but lets face it Manny is a naturally smaller guy. Beating Mayweather would do more for Pacquiao than beating Pacquiao would do for Mayweather.”
[B]Jake Donovan
“I believe the fight will be ANNOUNCED for March 13 - only for an injury to postpone it until either June or September. There will be the threat of one side never again pursuing the other, but the lure of millions upon millions to be made will force everyone to once again check their pride in at the door, eventually leading to the fight.
Regarding Mayweather returning, I honestly couldn't care less, and hate to say that as a writer. He's mastered the art of playing the villain and reaping its financial benefits. Good for him. But the act wears thin after a while. A dominant performance against Pac - or even one where he's forced to overcome any sort of adversity - will help change that. But until the fight actually happens, his career still is what it is - more "what if's" than "look what he's done”.
It's certainly great for boxing, but can't be JUST about this fight. It's in the sports best interests to allow the buzz to become contagious. I have no problem with this matchup being discussed during every telecast - so long as every mention of this matchup also including, "And by the way... such and such fight is coming up. Be sure to tune in."
That said, it sounds like it will be the exact opposite - in fact, much like Mayweather-DLH, where they put all of their eggs in one basket, and the rest of the sport is placed on hold as a result. An ideal scenario would be to have a live fight card accompany every edition of 24/7 Mayweather-Pacquiao - yet HBO is already running scared of the Winter Olympics, threatening a boxing blackout rather than go up against it.
Then again, Mayweather-DLH was the highest grossing fight in the history of the sport. So why not follow the same formula (except hoping for a better fight)?
Kevin Iole
Yahoo Sports
“I do think the fight will be March 13. Obviously, it could change, but if I had to bet, I'd put my money on that date.I don't think Floyd really left the spotlight, to be honest. It's good he's in it. He's a guy who crosses over and attracts non-boxing fans to the sport and that's always good for the sport, whether you like him or dislike him. He brings attention to boxing and that's a positive. I think there's been a tremendous buzz already and it's only going to increase. I think there is way more interest in this fight than there was in the De La Hoya-Mayweather bout, and that took off on fight week. I think there will be a media frenzy the likes of which we haven't seen since the Tyson days.”
December 10
Las Vegas Boxing Examiner
Chris Robinson
Sometimes when you get caught up in something it’s good to take a step back and clear your head.
The ongoing drama regarding the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao bout has been well documented and it has been easy for one to lose themselves in all of the confusion and speculation. Pacquiao-Mayweather is the kind of fight that generates interest and passion of another kind and one could be forgiven for getting caught up in the moment of it all.
I asked my boxing brethren some simple questions, such as when and where they thought the fight was going to take place, if at all, and what it is like seeing Floyd Mayweather back in the spotlight after all these years. I also asked everyone’s opinion on what the fight meant to the sport and how everything would play itself out from this point forward.
The answers and feedback I received were chalked full of insight, intellect, and pure emotion. Below is a comprehensive take from some boxing scribes, who I all respect for different reasons, all in regards to Pacquiao vs. Mayweather...
Matt Yano
15 rounds dot com“I think the fight will take place in May since there have been many PPV successes in May. Pacquiao also just fought and had some injuries.
I was never a fan of Mayweather since he didn't always fight the best and is extremely arrogant. I actually thought boxing was better off without him since Pacquiao is genuinely better for the sport, both in terms of caring about the sport iself and making entertaining fights.
I expect the promotion to be enormous, obviously all kinds of crazy PR and monstrous media tours like never beofore.
I am rooting for Pacquiao but I think Mayweather wins a shady split decision.”
Ryan ********
Boxing Scene “I do think the fight will take place in March because the public and HBO have been putting an extreme amount of pressure on both sides to get this fight made. With both fighting at the highest level, either man can be upset and spoil this major money fight. The fight cannot possibly be hotter than it is right now and I think that will influence the scheduling of this fight in a big way.
It was good to see Mayweather back in the ring because he is easily the sport's most proficient technician though he was underwhelming against a much smaller opponent his last time out. I think the mystique of Mayweather's unbeaten record will continue to make him a marketable figure. People want to see Mayweather beaten just as they want to appreciate his technical mastery.
I cannot remember the last time there was such public demand for a fight to be made. When I think back to the "super fights" of my lifetime, Lewis-Tyson, De la Hoya-Trinidad, none of them were as highly anticipated as this fight. Here you have the two best fighters in the world fighting for the right to be called the best in the world.
They come from different backgrounds with different styles with different personalities. I cannot envision two drastically different people to polarize sports fans. This fight will undoubtedly raise the profile of the sport at large.
The last time we had a Mayweather "super fight" was his fight with De la Hoya. De la Hoya was in that fight simply because he was the biggest draw in the sport. That fight, though it did extremely well financially, under whelmed many casual fans and might have set the sport back in the long run.
Pacquiao, a prime, aggressive fighter, will force the best out of Mayweather in victory or defeat. Basically what I'm saying is that there is next to no chance that this fight can be the underwhelming sparring session the Mayweather-De la Hoya fight was.”
Ryan Bates
411 Mania dot com“Call me Captain Bringdown, but even though it's allegedly agreed to, I just don't buy it. Floyd's got an escape plan of some sort lined up. Do not be surprised if this somehow falls through.
As for Floyd returning to the sport, it's kinda like when a kid you don't like transfers out of your school, but then two years later he's back. In my opinion, Floyd is a spoiled brat who ducks real questions as well as he ducks real challenges, so what's it like seeing him back in the spotlight? I could do without it.
I'm almost saddened by the fact that all anyone wants to do is talk about this potential fight when so many great match-ups are coming up. Diaz/Malignaggi II and Bradley/Peterson are both this weekend, how much coverage are you hearing there? Mosley/Berto is coming up in January, you're barely hearing a peep. As great as this fight might be (should it happen), there's so much other great boxing out there right now.
Frankly until it's signed, sealed and delivered everything is over-speculation. Let's get an official word of a fight first."
Michael Marley
“I think the fight will wind up at the MGM. I know they were supposed to visit Jerry Jones in Dallas and maybe there will be a proposal from New Orleans, but New Orleans is still hurting from Hurricane Katrina. Dallas could be a good place but for as big as a fight as it is, it’s still a fight between Mayweather and a guy from the Philippines. If you had a Mexican opponent, like a Marquez or a Chavez type of guy than I think Dallas would make more sense but at the end of the day Vegas wins out.
I’m convinced that on March 13th, 2010 we’ll all be out there again to see Mayweather and Pacquiao in the ring. Especially now given the financial situation, Vegas is still on the ropes and Vegas needs this fight. The city of Dallas is going to roll on with or without the fight. Las Vegas needs it and the MGM Grand, the same company that owns the Mirage and the MGM and Mandalay Bay, I think they are going to clamp down and I don’t think they are going to let this fight of the century out their grasp”
Vivek Wallace
East Side Boxing
“The mere thought of this showdown is absolutely incredible, as I see it, for the simple fact that over time, history has always found a way of separating legends and keeping us fans speculating on who was actually better. What would have happened if Jordan played in Kobe's era? What would have happened if Ali fought in Tyson's era? Well, for once, history finally got it right! Fight fans now sit on the cusp of a showdown featuring two men with legendary skills which transcend any era of the sport. 'Undefeated' meets 'Undisputed'. 2 Legends, 1 Night, No excuses! Can it get any bigger?”
Thomas Hauser
Seconds Out
“It will be a huge fight if it happens. It will be a crossover fight that attracts interest from the mainstream media and people who don’t know anything about boxing. Once again it’s Floyd looking for the edge, which he will have here again in size. The fight weight we are hearing about is 147 and on fight night Floyd could be coming into the ring with a ten pound weight advantage. So be it.
I don’t think Floyd has to redeem himself. He doesn’t have to apologize for what he’s accomplished. He’s had a great career so far and he has more good fights left in him. Now he’s fighting Manny Pacquiao. He presents a formidable challenge but lets face it Manny is a naturally smaller guy. Beating Mayweather would do more for Pacquiao than beating Pacquiao would do for Mayweather.”
[B]Jake Donovan
“I believe the fight will be ANNOUNCED for March 13 - only for an injury to postpone it until either June or September. There will be the threat of one side never again pursuing the other, but the lure of millions upon millions to be made will force everyone to once again check their pride in at the door, eventually leading to the fight.
Regarding Mayweather returning, I honestly couldn't care less, and hate to say that as a writer. He's mastered the art of playing the villain and reaping its financial benefits. Good for him. But the act wears thin after a while. A dominant performance against Pac - or even one where he's forced to overcome any sort of adversity - will help change that. But until the fight actually happens, his career still is what it is - more "what if's" than "look what he's done”.
It's certainly great for boxing, but can't be JUST about this fight. It's in the sports best interests to allow the buzz to become contagious. I have no problem with this matchup being discussed during every telecast - so long as every mention of this matchup also including, "And by the way... such and such fight is coming up. Be sure to tune in."
That said, it sounds like it will be the exact opposite - in fact, much like Mayweather-DLH, where they put all of their eggs in one basket, and the rest of the sport is placed on hold as a result. An ideal scenario would be to have a live fight card accompany every edition of 24/7 Mayweather-Pacquiao - yet HBO is already running scared of the Winter Olympics, threatening a boxing blackout rather than go up against it.
Then again, Mayweather-DLH was the highest grossing fight in the history of the sport. So why not follow the same formula (except hoping for a better fight)?
Kevin Iole
Yahoo Sports
“I do think the fight will be March 13. Obviously, it could change, but if I had to bet, I'd put my money on that date.I don't think Floyd really left the spotlight, to be honest. It's good he's in it. He's a guy who crosses over and attracts non-boxing fans to the sport and that's always good for the sport, whether you like him or dislike him. He brings attention to boxing and that's a positive. I think there's been a tremendous buzz already and it's only going to increase. I think there is way more interest in this fight than there was in the De La Hoya-Mayweather bout, and that took off on fight week. I think there will be a media frenzy the likes of which we haven't seen since the Tyson days.”
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