Finally Fighting: Mayweather Pacquiao, How Money Matters

Marcus Atkinson
Follow on twitter: @marcusatkinson

 Finally after over a decade, its official, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao will fight May 2. The last time this match was even close was in 2009 but due to questions of the use of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs), the potentially $100 million dollar fight was cancelled.

 But today is a new day after the two boxers had a verbal conversation at a recent Miami Heat basketball game, the ball began to roll and the two were able to do something high rich attorneys and professional promoters could not; deliver a match millions of fans have been waiting for. The contract is signed, its official, so who won the negotiations? Let’s look at the facts.

 Mayweather will get 60 percent of an early projected $400 million gross revenue
 The fight is through Showtime, which Mayweather is contracted through, which gave in leverage in not only negotiating the split, but smaller perceptive details like the privilege of announcing the fight first, the official name of the fight has his name first, and he will be announced last during ring announcements, giving the perception of championship superiority.

 "I am glad my decision to meet with Manny and discuss making this fight happen helped get the deal done,” Mayweather said through social media. “Giving the fans what they want to see is always my main focus. This will be the biggest event in the history of the sport."

Pacquiao released a similar statement hours later.

 "I am very happy that Floyd Mayweather and I can give the fans the fight they have wanted for so many years," Pacquiao said. "They have waited long enough and they deserve it. It is an honor to be part of this historic event. I dedicate this fight to all the fans who willed this fight to happen and, as always, to bring glory to the Philippines and my fellow Filipinos around the world."

 Early estimates have the match grossing $400 million (in 2009 negotiations had a 50/50 split). 5 common opponents Pacquiao, Mayweather is 5-0 versus those common opponents while Pacquiao lost and had a draw versus Juan Manuel Marquez.

 Early odds have Mayweather 71 percent chance of winning Both boxers are past their prime, though that does not mean the fight will be underwhelming. The last time Mayweather knocked an opponent out was in 2011, Pacquiao 2009.

 These are the beginning facts, Mayweather won the negotiations, but let’s see who wins the fight. If you want future articles on this fight please send a twitter message.