Saturday, May 2, 2015

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in $300m Fight of the Century

No fewer than 11,500 seats were sold for boxing's first weigh-in for which tickets have ever been required and those $10 for charity pieces of paper were changing hands for up to $600 as May-Pac-Mania cranked up to fever pitch in the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
A stage setting lavish enough for an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical extravanganza awaited the two gladiators in Saturday night's Fight of the Century as they made their way to the scales through the roaring crowd.
The fans of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao had struggled through long queues and security searches to gain entry, some of them arriving three hours before the ritual checking of poundage. 
Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao go face-to-face ahead of the official weigh-in on Friday night
Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao go face-to-face ahead of the official weigh-in on Friday night
The stunning ring girls look on as Pacquiao and Mayweather focus on each other before the weigh-in
The stunning ring girls look on as Pacquiao and Mayweather focus on each other before the weigh-in
Mayweather poses on the scale at the MGM Grand and was inside the limit by just one pound
Mayweather poses on the scale at the MGM Grand and was inside the limit by just one pound
Pacquiao flexes his muscles on the scales and came in at  two pounds under the weight limit
Pacquiao flexes his muscles on the scales and came in at two pounds under the weight limit
Pacquiao poses and looks on as his weight is taken ahead of the Fight of the Century
Pacquiao poses and looks on as his weight is taken ahead of the Fight of the Century
There were no apparent concerns about either of them making the 147lb welterweight limit.
Pacquiao, trained for speed, felt so light that he ate a hearty Filipino breakfast and then scoffed a chocolate bar on his way to the arena.
The size of the support from his fellow countrymen and women was evident when he was greeted by even louder cheering than was bestowed upon Mayweather.
Pacquiao was all smiles and taking selfies as he made his entrance to rapturous applause and cheering.
He came in at two pounds under the 147lbs limit and promptly resumed eating some chocolate.
He then turned his back to the cameras to show the following slogan on his white T-shirt: ‘All glory and honour belong to God’.
Pacquiao, with a beaming smile, and Mayweather acknowledge the fans ahead of the weigh-in
Pacquiao, with a beaming smile, and Mayweather acknowledge the fans ahead of the weigh-in
Pacquiao turned his back to the cameras to show the slogan: ‘All glory and honour belong to God’
Pacquiao turned his back to the cameras to show the slogan: ‘All glory and honour belong to God’
Pacquiao came in two pounds under the limit and ate some chocolate soon after the weigh-in
Pacquiao came in two pounds under the limit and ate some chocolate soon after the weigh-in
Manny Pacquiao posed for selfies with fans as he appeared relaxed before the weigh-in on Friday night
Manny Pacquiao posed for selfies with fans as he appeared relaxed before the weigh-in on Friday night
Legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer addresses the crowd ahead of the much-anticipated weigh-in
Legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer addresses the crowd ahead of the much-anticipated weigh-in
Mayweather alternated between looking around at the extraordinary scenes and grinning. He was a pound heavier at 146.
The majority feeling in the arena became clear as close up images of their faces flashed upon the giant screen – boos for Mayweather and cheers for Pacquiao.
Once again it was all polite and courteous in the build-up to the richest fight of all time.
Afterwards, Pacquiao revealed he had thanked Mayweather on the stage.
He said: ‘I was thanking him for the fans, that the fight will happen.’
Pacquiao revealed he had thanked Mayweather on the stage for the fans, that the fight was going ahead
Pacquiao revealed he had thanked Mayweather on the stage for the fans, that the fight was going ahead
Mayweather poses with rapper 50 cent and actor Omari Hardwick ahead of Saturday's big fight
Mayweather poses with rapper 50 cent and actor Omari Hardwick ahead of Saturday's big fight
Mayweather claimed he hadn’t heard, saying: ‘I don't know what he said but my thing is to focus on what we've got to do tomorrow. 
'My frame of mind is to be smart, listen to this man right here because without my father I wouldn't be where I'm at.
'I think all 47 fights played a major key, I've dedicated myself to the sport of boxing for over 20 years. I'm ready to fight.’
'For 19 years as a professional I wouldn't be the man without the fans. I want to be the best Floyd Mayweather I can be.
Mayweather claimed he hadn't heard Pacquiao's thank you and insisted he is focusing on Saturday's fight
Mayweather claimed he hadn't heard Pacquiao's thank you and insisted he is focusing on Saturday's fight
Mayweather insisted he was ready to fight having dedicated himself to boxing for over 20 years
Mayweather insisted he was ready to fight having dedicated himself to boxing for over 20 years
'I work hard. I take every fight seriously, that's why I'm undefeated. I've had a great career.
'Earlier in my career I had a lot more knockouts. Your hands have a lot of wear and tear. We've been swimming and chopping trees.
Asked if he was aiming to knock Pacquiao out, Mayweather replied: 'Absolutely'
'He's [Manny] a future hall of famer, like myself. The timing is right.
Fans look on before the official weigh-in between Mayweather and Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Arena
Fans look on before the official weigh-in between Mayweather and Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Arena
Fans arrive at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas  for the weigh in on Friday night, with tickets originally costing $10
Fans arrive at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas for the weigh in on Friday night, with tickets originally costing $10
Tickets to watch Mayweather and Pacquiao's weigh in changed hands for up to $600
Tickets to watch Mayweather and Pacquiao's weigh in changed hands for up to $600
Grinning fans hold banners backing the two fighters ahead of the historic event at the MGM Grand
Grinning fans hold banners backing the two fighters ahead of the historic event at the MGM Grand
Fans of Pacquiao hold the Philippines national flag prior and a banner declaring 'The Manny Team'
Fans of Pacquiao hold the Philippines national flag prior and a banner declaring 'The Manny Team'
Fans queue to get into the MGM Grand for a peek at the two fighters ahead of the fight of the century
Fans queue to get into the MGM Grand for a peek at the two fighters ahead of the fight of the century
Mayweather and  Pacquiao pose with a WBC belt during a press conference ahead of the fight this week
Mayweather and Pacquiao pose with a WBC belt during a press conference ahead of the fight this week

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