The controversial and bizarre fight between Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz last September 17 has generated at least 1.25 million in pay-per-view buys which translates into $78.44 million in domestic pay-per-view revenue. According to Dan Rafael of ESPN, the revenue generated by the Mayweather vs. Ortiz fight was the second-highest in non-heavyweight fight in history. Although Pacquiao’s fights with de la Hoya and Mosley got almost the same numbers, the Mayweather vs. Ortiz fight beat them all because subscriptions were sold higher than the rates for the Pacquiao fights, Rafael explained. After the announcement by Golden Boy Promotions on the official PPV numbers, Mayweather said he appreciates the tremendous support of the fans. “My motto is ‘hard work and dedication’ and I have shown this throughout my entire career, which has allowed me to go out and perform each time I step in the ring,” Mayweather said in a statement. “I give the fans everything I have with the best competition and exciting fights. I must be doing something right as they keep buying my fights and I appreciate their tremendous support. It feels good to be able to generate such a great interest in the sport.” Mayweather’s record as the undisputed PPV king has not been challenged in past years after raking in 2.4 million PPV buys during his fight with Oscar de la Hoya back in 2007. The Mayweather vs. de la Hoya fight was a tandem that was hard to beat at that time because they were both stars in their own right. Although it remains the highest-grossing fight in terms of PPV buys, a great number of boxing fans believe the number was achieved because of de la Hoya’s star power. The question is? will his PPV numbers surpass what Pacquiao and Marquez can generate on November 12, considering Marquez has his own circle of PPV supporters?
