Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao: Still the biggest fight in boxing

Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao: Still the biggest fight in boxing

The numbers for Mayweather vs Canelo: ‘The One’ was announced September 19th and a record-breaking $150 million in pay-per-per view (PPV) revenue was generated.

The previous mark of $136 million was set in 2007 by Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather.

Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez demonstrated boxing’s popularity and revenue potential when promoters showcase fights the fans want to see most.

‘The One’ drew tremendous interest because a) many believed Canelo had the tonic to defeat Mayweather and b) both fighters are immensely popular. Revenue levels of this magnitude are not generated unless those factors exist.

Can Mayweather vs. Canelo revenue numbers be reached again?

Yes – but only under the right circumstances. Both fighters (not just Floyd) must have a large following. We saw this in ‘The One.’

Floyd Mayweather, a fight legend who is considered the best-for-pound boxer today, has a massive following that’s dual in nature. It’s comprised of people who follow him out of adoration and those who maintain high interest out of sheer disdain. Those who love him, watch him for the obvious reasons while those who despise him are content to shell out $65 for the opportunity to witness him fail.

Canelo Alvarez, considered the top Jr. Middleweight contender, has currently the largest following of any Mexican fighter. His country demonstrated their support when they shattered the Mexican television record by making ‘The One’ the most watched event in Mexican history.

What other boxer generates that much buzz and possesses the skills to contend with Mayweather?

The answer is simple – Manny Pacquiao.

While some seemingly have the skills to compete against Mayweather (such as Erislandy Lara), they lack the fan base required to generate an electrifying buzz in the mainstream and high revenue numbers.

Manny Pacquiao, once considered by some the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, has a following that exceeds Canelo’s, supporting the notion Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is still the biggest fight in boxing.

If Floyd Mayweather wants to reach numbers as high or greater than ‘The One,’ he must give the masses what they’ve wanted for years – Mayweather vs Pacquiao. It’s imperative the fighters and promoters put their differences aside, forget about past disputes and ultimately yield to public demand.

Despite Manny’s loss to Marquez last December, the mainstream still wants to see the two most accomplished, most-celebrated fighters of this era in the ring together.

Mayweather has received, and will continue to get, heavy criticism for what is perceived as his fearful reluctance to fight Pacquiao.

In order to cement his legacy as the greatest of this era, Floyd Mayweather must defeat ‘The One’ opponent who will give him all the glory and respect he yearns for. Manny Pacquiao is the key to Mayweather’s coronation but, without facing him, fans will always ask, “What if?”

And if Pacquiao defeats Floyd, PacMan will receive the praise and admiration currently bestowed upon Mayweather. The victor will undoubtedly be the generation’s pound-for-pound king.

By the numbers:  Mayweather vs Pacquiao would feature the two highest-selling PPV icons of the last two decades. (Numbers listed below are in order of PPV buys)

Floyd Mayweather vs. Oscar De La Hoya – Estimated PPV buys 2,400,00

Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez – Estimated PPV buys 2,200,00 (last reported       number)

Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield II – Estimated PPV buys 1,990,000

Mike Tyson vs. Lennox Lewis – Estimated PPV buys 1,950,000

Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield – Estimated PPV buys 1,590,000

Mike Tyson vs. Peter McNeely – Estimated PPV buys 1,550,000

Floyd Mayweather vs. Miguel Cotto – Estimated PPV buys 1,500,000

Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez III – Estimated PPV buys 1,450,000

Floyd Mayweather vs. Shane Mosley – Estimated PPV buys 1,400,000 (Tied)

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Felix Trinidad – Estimated PPV buys 1,400,000 (Tied)

Evander Holyfield vs. George Foreman – Estimated PPV buys 1,400,000 (Tied)

Mike Tyson vs. Frank Bruno – Estimated PPV buys 1,370,000

Manny Pacquiao vs. Shane Mosley – Estimated PPV buys 1,340,000

Floyd Mayweather vs. Victor Ortiz – Estimated PPV buys 1,250,000 (Tied)

Manny Pacquiao vs. Oscar De La Hoya – Estimated PPV buys 1,250,000 (Tied)

Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto – Estimated PPV buys 1,250,000 (Tied)

-Sal Arteaga/ @Sal_Arteaga

Contributor for www.BehindTheGloves.com