In Part I on Wednesday, I was explaining why Manny Pacquiao offering a 50-50 deal to Floyd Mayweather was more than fair if and when they fought. Here is a link to that story:
http://www.examiner.com/x-11372-Dallas-Boxing-Examiner~y2010m5d26-5050-offer-by-Pacquiao-is-very-generous-to-Mayweather
Yes it’s true that Mayweather vs. Shane Mosley did double the pay-per-view business of Pacquiao vs. Joshua Clottey.
But you have to remember that years and millions went into making both Mayweather and Mosley into household names and big box office. I don’t begrudge Mayweather here.
However, while Clottey is a former champion and highly-rated, he has always been a promotional opponent – never the promoted one. Call that what you will – even call it a watered down form of racism – but he didn’t sell any tickets back on March 13 in Cowboys Stadium or on pay-per-view.
Now take Manny Pacquiao. The live Cowboys Stadium crowd erupted each time he was shown on those big screens in anticipation of what was to come. It was because of respect for an international star was actually on former farm land in Arlington, Texas. Miguel Cotto also received a huge applause. Former middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik couldn’t get arrested.
My point is just look at the recent election. When the people needed to turn out for Pacquiao in a real fight they were there in droves. In big numbers. Winning numbers. It will be that way for a major pay-per-view.
The reason is first Pacquiao earned their respect. Next he connected with his fans worldwide. They believe he fights for them. That he is one of them. Very few ever had the “it” charisma and the talent to back it up. Maybe Muhammad Ali.
Mayweather will get respect worldwide, but the big numbers are coming from Pac Man fans worldwide. Most fans will treat Mayweather like, well, Kelly Pavlik. What are Mayweather promoters going to do? Show “Money May” tossing bills into crowds at night clubs in this economy? Talk about turning people into anti-Americans! And feeding them beer for four hours.
Pacquiao is the draw if “The Fight” actually happens by default judgement.
