Luckily this proposed fight will be negotiated by real businessmen and not emotional fans.
At the most, these two can’t be more than say 10% off and that is high in my opinion. That would be a 55-45 split. So if one just brought their ego down just 5%, we would probably have a fight.
Remember you have to deduct about 45% of all pay-per-view revenue for the hated local cable and satellite companies. Then 10% for HBO. Then the promoters cut up the pie even further and we haven’t even gotten to expenses yet.
Let’s just say there is conceivably $50 million left for the two fighters – before they pay their managers, trainers, conditioning coaches, consultants, entourages, lawyers, assorted idiots, and taxes.
Is one going to say “I’m not fighting because I deserve $27,000,000 million (gross) and won’t fight for $25,000,000 (gross)? Will he jeopardize the entire promotion and not accept $25,000,000 and an open-ended percentage to get the deal done?
Maybe Manny Pacquiao wants the revenue from the Philippines since he developed that market.
Maybe Floyd Mayweather, Jr. wants the state of Michigan revenue.
It will be worked out.
I hear ESPN 2 is offering $15,000 for its main event fighters. I hear cab drivers are making about the same annually.
Let’s get this deal done before one gets injured or upset in a tuneup fight. Or heaven forbid the fans lose interest.
Then they can have 55% of nothing.
If the two fighters want to make a friendly side bet, fine.
Personally, I believe Mayweather blew it by being a jerk and alienating many American fans over the years.
Mayweather allowed Pacquiao to be the good guy who is just grateful to be here and move in on his American and Olympic turf. Floyd can thank Daddy and Uncle Roger for their assistance. Still, a virtual 50/50 deal for Floyd should have him doing cartwheels when he just paid off the IRS!
Whatever the deal ends up being, keep it confidential and tell the public it’s a 50/50 deal so no ego is too bruised.
See, take the emotion out of it and it’s not difficult.
Next case!
