Our local economy is expected to get a much-needed boost this weekend from something Las Vegas used to thrive on: big-time boxing.
Saturday night is “Fight Night” at the MGM Grand Garden with a title bout so significant the mayor has given both fighters a key to the city.
Pacquiao versus Cotto is bringing businesses from around the globe to Las Vegas, most significantly from the Philippines, the home of Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao.
His opponent is Welterweight Champ Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico.
Pinoy Pinay, a local Filipino restaurant on East Sahara, has welcomed Manny Pacquiao as a customer many times. And right now, their business is buzzing with anticipation.
“There’s an economic benefit as well (to) our restaurant,” says Van Tirona.
Clearly, “Fight Night” in Las Vegas is more than just a sporting event; it’s an economic engine attracting customers from around the world. The fighters will be earning millions, and so will Las Vegas.
Ron Cabildo is a promoter for the Manny Pacquiao after-fight party at the Mandalay Bay.
“It brings in my country people together. And they know how to spend money on the nightlife industry.”
Filipino singer Martin Nievera is performing in town this weekend and he, too, can already see how fight fever has swept into Las Vegas.
“The buzz of the fight alone is what will get Filipinos here. It’s good for Vegas, too.”
Mayor Oscar Goodman sees what’s happening as well: At the pre-fight press conference he made a rare gesture of presenting both fighters with keys to the city.
“This is a wonderful week we’re experiencing and this whole world is going to be looking at this event.”
Regardless of which fighter prevails in the ring, there’s a clear sense already that Pacquiao versus Cotto should be a victory for Las Vegas.
