With this week’s announcement that Floyd Mayweather Jr. will fight Canelo Alvarez on September 14 at the MGM Grand, it creates a third pay-per-view boxing event scheduled for this Fall. With the holiday season right on its heels, this could possibly require some fans to prioritize where their dollars will be going.
It was fully expected that there would be a September event involving Mayweather and/or Alvarez so it was not surprising when Top Rank CEO Bob Arum moved the previously scheduled show featuring Juan Manuel Marquez vs Timothy Bradley to October 12, avoiding another head-to-head power struggle on Mexican Independence Day.
We also expected Manny Pacquiao to make his ring return later this year following his devastating one-punch knockout loss to Marquez last December. It was confirmed earlier this month that Pacquiao would headline a pay-per-view card in Macau against Brandon Rios on November 23.
The schedule is as follows:
September 14, MGM Grand (Showtime PPV):
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, WBA/WBC junior middleweight unification
October 12, Thomas & Mack (HBO PPV):
Timothy Bradley vs. Juan Manuel Marquez, WBO welterweight championship
November 23, Cotai Arena (HBO PPV):
Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios, non-title welterweight fight
For those budget-conscious fans, spend the money on Mayweather v. Alvarez as that is the most compelling fight of the three. It pits the experience, speed and ring intelligence of a superstar who is the best fighter in the world today against the youth, power and hunger of a star in his own right who possesses great potential for the future.
Bradley vs Marquez would be a perfectly fine headliner on regular HBO but it is difficult to embrace it as a pay-per-view worthy event. In the case of Bradley, an uncharacteristic brawl and a gift decision against one of the top pound-for-pound stars in boxing does not make one a pay-per-view attraction. This fight has the potential to be a snoozer if Bradley relaxes and reverts back to his conservative boxing style against the very wise and methodical counterpuncher Marquez.
Although it will be just a month away from Christmas, Pacquiao-Rios might be worth dipping into the holiday fund. It should generate a good deal of action between two aggressive fighters and there is interest in seeing just how much Pacquiao has left after his knockout loss to Marquez.
In fairness, we do not yet know who will be on the undercards of these respective bouts which may factor into purchasing decisions. Then there is the segment of hardcore fans who will unconditionally purchase all three fights. Some will be content with waiting for the replay, while others may be somewhat more resourceful in finding a way to watch the live events.
Any route you go, this is a great time to be a boxing fan.
