WATCH: Mayweather talks about bank account, girls

Although widely regarded by most as a "villain," retired former world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. showed he can be funny a times.

In an interview with Diego in "Awkward Puppets," Mayweather talked about his bank accounts, luxury cars and girls. He even dispensed a marital advice.

Mayweather also asserted that after his "money fight" with Conor McGregor, he is staying retired for good.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

McGregor landed more than Pacquiao against Floyd

But analyst says McGregor's punch stats are deceiving 

Conor McGregor was apparently more successful than Manny Pacquiao in terms of landing punches against the elusive Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Compubox numbers showed that the mixed martial arts (MMA) superstar landed 117 shots on Mayweather during his 10th round technical knockout loss to “Money May.” Pacquiao, on the other hand, connected only 81 punches when he fought Mayweather back in 2015.

But fight analyst Ed Tolentino said that is an inaccurate comparison of McGregor’s work rate to Pacquiao’s.

“That is deceiving. Remember that Pacquiao was handicapped, he fought with only one good shoulder,” Tolentino pointed out in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

“Also note what the computers can’t see. Except for the left uppercut in the first round, majority of Conor's punches were pitty-pat punches. The jab was anemic and he can’t get proper leverage for his left hand.”

Tolentino said Mayweather knew McGregor will have issues with his stamina since the Irish fought for only 25 minutes for most of his MMA career. When McGregor started slowing down, Mayweather stepped on the gas, he said.

“Let him throw a lot and the faster will the fatigue set in. That's exactly what happened,” he said.

Tolentino believes McGregor will even have a shorter fight if forced to a fight a puncher like Pacquiao.

“It’s so easy to be impressed with Conor going 10 rounds, but people forget that Floyd is not a fast starter and does not go for quick KO. He has scored only two knockouts in the last 10 years,” he said.

“If Conor goes 10 rounds with a puncher like Pacquiao, then I will be impressed.”

source: news.abs-cbn.com
 

Boxing: From plumber to superstar, McGregor taps into fame

LAS VEGAS -- In the space of four short years, Conor McGregor has grown accustomed to the trappings of luxury that have accompanied his rise through the ranks of mixed martial arts.

But the 29-year-old multi-millionaire Irishman, who faces Floyd Mayweather in a cross-combat superfight on Saturday (Sunday morning in Manila), insists he has never forgotten his humble beginnings.

Until he was discovered and signed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2013, McGregor was eking out a hand-to-mouth existence. The former apprentice plumber was on the dole as he attempted to make a name for himself on the Irish mixed martial arts circuit.

"It's mind-blowing. But I never forget the struggles. I never forget where I came from. I never ever forget the hard times," McGregor says. "When things were really bad I didn't have a pot to piss in. Really, nothing. I'm not a stupid guy and it was hard standing in a dole queue."

McGregor's life now, as he contemplates Saturday's bout with Mayweather, could not be more different.

Private jets, tailor-made suits and multi-million-dollar purses feature regularly in his life. He owns a luxury yacht which he christened "The 188" -- a reference to the amount of his 188-euro ($222) weekly benefits check before his career took off.

"I pinch myself because I am surrounded by luxury. But make no mistake – it's luxury built on sacrifice," McGregor explained.

Initially, McGregor's family had attempted to steer him away from fighting, encouraging him to work as a plumber's apprentice during his teens.

"I hated every minute of it," McGregor recalled. "You were talking 14 or 15-hour days. I was getting ordered around, getting people their lunch, all this crap. I just thought, 'This life isn't for me, I'm going to pack it in. I'm going to chase my dreams.'"

'Combat is my life'

A mixed early start to his career in Ireland was followed by an eight-fight winning streak between 2011 and 2012.

In 2013, UFC chief Dana White signed him to a mult-fight contract and the world's dominant mixed martial arts circuit had its next star.

McGregor's explosive punching and ability to market himself, backing up his brash, cocksure press conference persona inside the octagon quickly endeared him to the sport's fans.

A serene start to his UFC career culminated with McGregor winning back-to-back titles, defeating Chad Mendes by knockout in July 2015 before a 13-second demolition of Jose Aldo five months later.

An upset defeat to Nate Diaz in early 2016 was followed by a decision that stunned the MMA world soon afterwards -- McGregor declaring his apparent retirement from the sport.

The announcement, however, was widely seen as a negotiating gambit, with McGregor increasingly reluctant to fulfill his contractual obligations to promote each fight.

"I am paid to fight. I am not yet paid to promote. I have become lost in the game of promotion and forgot about the art of fighting," McGregor said. "There comes a time when you need to stop handing out flyers and get back to the damn shop."

He was back in the shop later in 2016, avenging his loss to Diaz with a win by decision in August before knocking out Eddie Alvarez to win the lightweight title three months later.

While safely back in the UFC fold, though, McGregor remained determined to try and land his ultimate prize -- a showdown with Mayweather.

Ever since the fight was announced in June, few commentators have given McGregor a chance.

The Irishman has never fought a boxing contest before, and will be facing an opponent who will be aiming for a 50th straight career victory.

McGregor, who has vowed to knock out Mayweather inside two rounds, is unfazed by his underdog status.

"I'm borderline insane," McGregor said. "I don't know about anything else and don't care about anything else. Combat is my life."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Mayweather, McGregor trade verbal jabs as countdown begins

LOS ANGELES - Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor traded verbal jabs on Tuesday as the circus-like countdown to their money-spinning superfight cranked into overdrive on the Las Vegas Strip.

Thousands of fans including a sizeable contingent of Irish supporters thronged the heart of the Nevada boxing capital to greet Mayweather and McGregor at their separate formal grand arrival ceremonies.

Mayweather, the 40-year-old undefeated former welterweight boxing champion, has been lured out of retirement to face McGregor, a star of mixed martial arts' Ultimate Fighting Championship.

The two men meet in a 12-round contest under boxing rules on Saturday that is tipped to become the richest fight in history.

The cross-combat collision has appalled boxing purists, with many decrying the event as a farcical publicity stunt more in keeping with the choreographed traditions of WWE wrestling.

Mayweather and McGregor who clashed repeatedly during an expletive-laden world press tour to drum up interest for the fight last month, insist however that they are ready to deliver a battle for the ages.

McGregor, a massive underdog in what will be his first professional boxing fight, insisted Tuesday he was ready to stun the oddsmakers.

"This is not even close to my toughest challenge ever. I will crumble him," McGregor said.

"I have adapted perfectly to boxing, I am very pleased and ready. I'm a special man, I will prove that August 26, this will go one or two rounds, maybe I will bang him out and hurt him.

"If he survives, I will decide whether I embarrass or seriously hurt him.

"I'm calm and cool, same as I am in every fight. I'm fit, sharp and I'm gonna be ruthless in there. I believe he'll be unconscious inside one round."

McGregor and Mayweather passed each other after their separate introductions, with McGregor taunting the American with a shout of "Why didn't you want to face off?" -- triggering a melee between their two entourages.

'INTRIGUING FIGHT'

A relaxed-looking Mayweather meanwhile had earlier encouraged fans to bet on the fight finishing inside 12 rounds.

"I talked to you before and said that this fight wouldn't go the distance," Mayweather said.

"If you're going to bet, bet it won't go (the distance)."

Mayweather did his best to play down his status as a heavy favourite, insisting that his two-year layoff from the ring had blunted his prowess.

"That's what makes this fight so intriguing, I've been out a few years, feel like I've lost a few steps," Mayweather said.

"So we'll just have to wait and see."

Earlier Tuesday, Mayweather had taunted McGregor over his fitness, telling the US website FightHype that he believed his opponent would struggle to make the 154-pound limit for Saturday's bout.

"Conor McGregor is extremely heavy right now," Mayweather said. "I think he's 164 so he's still got 10 pounds to go."

McGregor could face a painful financial penalty if he is unable to tip the scales inside the limit. Boxers often have the option of cancelling a fight or collecting a larger share of the purse if an opponent fails to make weight.

Mayweather, who is expected to earn at least $100 million from Saturday's contest, indicated he would take the money.

"I get that extra money if you can't make the weight," Mayweather said. "Get those extra millions ready. UFC get those extra millions ready."

"If he don't make the weight, we still going to fight but there's going to be a heavy fine."

Mayweather has fought at 154 pounds before but is more used to fighting at welterweight (150 pounds). McGregor however has fought at 170 pounds in MMA.

McGregor, 29, last week insisted he was in peak condition following a gruelling training camp that had taken him to "hell and back" and left him primed to face either a long or short fight.

"There is no way in hell that I'm not ready to fight in the deepest of trenches in this contest," McGregor said.

"We are ready for both scenarios. I'm ready to go to war for 12 rounds and I'm ready to put him away early on."

rcw/mdo

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Floyd shows off piles of cash, sports cars

American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. appears to be happy in his retirement, showing off piles of cash and his sports cars in a display of his "lavish lifestyle."



Mayweather retired in September 2015 after beating Andre Berto. He retired with 49 wins and no losses and was the highest-paid athlete in sports in the year he stepped away from boxing.

In an Instagram post, Mayweather showed off a table filled with stacks of cash, wearing a cap bearing a "$1M" insignia.

"They say 'life is what you make it,' and to that, I'll agree wholeheartedly," Mayweather said in his caption. "As I sit here, acknowledging how blessed I am to be retired a year shy of my 40th birthday, it's nearly impossible to say that I am not living the 'American Dream.'"

Mayweather said that he may not have his "usual six-pack or muscle tone in sight," but he still gets the last laugh after retiring with a spotless record.

"I'm blessed to wake up every morning, certain that my bank accounts are growing," he said. "Making seven figures monthly without moving a finger just further proves that I've made brilliant investments and decisions that allow me to walk away from the ring comfortably."

"I'm proud to be a King," he declared.    

Two days ago, Mayweather also showed a picture of himself swimming, with the caption: "The retired life. Seven figures monthly. Retired before 40 years old. Made smart investments."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

LOOK: Floyd gives son a $50K Mercedes Benz

Amir Mayweather, the son of retired boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr., recently received a car from his father on his 16th birthday.

And not just any car but an expensive Mercedes C450 AMG luxury sedan.

According to Topgear.com, the car is worth $50,800 (roughly P2.4 million).

Mayweather, who regularly flaunts his wealth on social media, is the highest earning boxer in recent history. He pocketed around $300 million in his recent bout against Manny Pacquiao.

But his recent post also showed he's also willing to spend much for his loved ones.

Amir is one lucky kid.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Defeated Berto struck by Mayweather's IQ in the ring

LAS VEGAS -- For Andre Berto, Floyd Mayweather's boxing IQ was the most impressive attribute on show at the MGM Grand on Saturday as the five-division world champion ended his professional career with a perfect 49-0 record.

Berto, a 30-1 underdog, could do very little against his fellow American as Mayweather once again delivered a consummate tactical display in the ring to retain his WBC and WBA welterweight titles on a unanimous decision.

"He's smart, really smart," twice former welterweight world champion Berto told reporters after being beaten for a fourth time in his last seven fights to slip to 30-4.

"He knows how to con his way in certain situations to keep his distance or to use that moment to get some rest time or to use clinches to breathe and come back with a few punches.

"I used a lot of speed but he was really crafty, he was using little things to kind of get me out of my rhythm. We pushed him to the limit but we fell short."

Berto, who described himself as a man 'on a mission' during the build-up to Saturday's fight, was asked to assess Mayweather's standing among the pantheon of boxing greats.

"He's sharp but it's hard for me to say because I haven't been in the ring with Muhammad (Ali) or (Rocky) Marciano," the American said of Mayweather, who is regarded as one of the best defensive fighters of all time.

"But right now, for him to be 38 years old and still have that speed and that timing, it's unheard of. I definitely commend him for that.

"The run he's had for 19 years, being world champion and continuing to move forward to greatness. As a fighter, not too many people can do that."

Many pundits have doubts over Mayweather's insistence that his career is now over, and point to the American's unexpected U-turn when he came back from a 21-month retirement to fight Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in September 2009.

For Berto, Mayweather has earned the right to do whatever he wants.

"It's up to him," he said. "I'm not Floyd. He has done tremendous things for the sport, he's accomplished so much, he has broken all those records and made a shit-load of money.

"If he wants to retire, he can do what he wants to do. This sport is brutal by itself.

"If he wants to retire, he should be able to. If he wants to come back, that's on him as well."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Mayweather beats Berto in ring farewell

LAS VEGAS -- Floyd Mayweather Jr. cemented his place among the pantheon of boxing greats with a unanimous decision over fellow American Andre Berto on Saturday in what he has repeatedly said would be the final fight of his career.

Mayweather, 38, easily outboxed his younger opponent over the 12 rounds to retain his WBC and WBA welterweight titles and improve his perfect career record to 49-0, matching the benchmark set by former heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano.

Five-division world champion Mayweather dominated most of the exchanges in the MGM Grand Garden Arena with his lightning jabs and agile movement about the ring to finish ahead on all three judges' scorecards.

Berto, a 30-1 underdog against one of the best defensive fighters of all time, dropped to 30-4 as he suffered his fourth loss in his last seven fights.

"Andre Berto has heart, a tremendous chin, he wouldn't lay down," Mayweather said in a ringside interview. "It was a good fight.

"I knew he would be a tough competitor. Experience played a major role tonight. He is a very athletic boxer. What can I say? I was the better man tonight."

Asked if he might be tempted to come back for a 50th fight, Mayweather replied: "My career is over. It's official.

"You've got no one to hang it up, so I think it's about time for me to hang it up. I'm not going to be doing it now. I'm close to 40 years old, I've been in this sport 19 years, been world champion for 18 years, I've broken all records.

"There's nothing left to prove in the sport of boxing.

Back in the ring for the first time since May when he beat Manny Pacquiao in a "mega-fight" that became the richest bout in boxing, Mayweather landed 232 of 410 punches while Berto connected with just 83 of 495.

However, it was a welterweight showdown that failed to capture the public's imagination given Berto's relatively low profile globally and his mixed run of results over the past four years, and it was low on entertainment value on the night.

Barely five hours before the start, the MGM Grand box office said "a bunch of tickets" were still available for the arena in the price range between $300 and $1,500, and the official attendance ended up at 13,395 -- 3,000 short of full capacity.

"I was in shape but he was difficult to hit, experience played a big part," said Berto, a 32-year-old twice former welterweight world champion who overcame a career-threatening shoulder injury in 2013 to knock out Josesito Lopez in March.

"I was coming forward, I used a lot of speed but he was really crafty, used little things to get me out of my rhythm.

"Tonight I felt like we put on a great performance. We pushed him to the limit but we fell short. He's where he is for a reason. Floyd is definitely one of the best out there for sure."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Mayweather denies violation before Pacquiao bout

LAS VEGAS - The build-up to Saturday's welterweight fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Andre Berto has been rocked by suggestions of a doping violation four months ago, an allegation flatly denied by Mayweather on Thursday.

According to a report by SB Nation, Mayweather allegedly received an intravenous injection of saline and vitamins, that was banned under World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines, on the eve of his megabout with Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas on May 2.

However, Mayweather said in a statement that he "did not commit any violations" and he was fully supported by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) earlier on Thursday.

"As already confirmed by the USADA statement, I did not commit any violations of the Nevada or USADA drug testing guidelines," said Mayweather, who beat Pacquiao on a unanimous decision to improve his perfect record to 48-0.

"I follow and have always followed the rules of Nevada and USADA, the gold standard of drug testing.

"Let's not forget that I was the one six years ago who insisted on elevating the level of drug testing for all my fights. As a result, there is more drug testing and awareness of its importance in the sport of boxing today than ever before."

According to the SB Nation report, USADA collection agents visited Mayweather's house in Las Vegas the night before his May 2 fight to conduct an unannounced drug test and discovered that he had been given an IV for rehydration purposes.

LATE EXEMPTION FROM USADA

While the substances in the IV were not banned by WADA, the fact that they were given intravenously was not permitted, the report said, and Mayweather was only given a retroactive therapeutic use exemption (TUE) by USADA 19 days later.

"We believe it is important to immediately correct the record regarding the false suggestion that Floyd Mayweather violated the rules by receiving an IV infusion of saline and vitamins," USADA said in a statement on Thursday.

"As was already publicly reported in May of this year by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), Mr. Mayweather applied for and was granted a TUE by USADA for an IV infusion of saline and vitamins that was administered prior to his May 2 fight.

"Mr. Mayweather's use of the IV was not prohibited under the NSAC rules at that time and would not be a violation of the NSAC rules today."

According to USADA, both the NSAC and Team Pacquiao were notified about the TUE after it was granted, "even though the practice is not prohibited under NSAC rules".

For the NSAC, the main issue here is creating a closer working relationship with USADA.

"In the state of Nevada, we are the only entity that is allowed to approve therapeutic use exemptions for any and all combatants," NSAC executive director Bob Bennett told Reuters.

"It's incumbent upon USADA and the Nevada State Athletic Commission to work hand in glove in an effort to combat performance-enhancing drugs in boxing, mixed martial arts, etc.

"Once we can have a better understanding of what USADA's position is on TUEs and ours, this media controversy will end. It adds no negative narrative on Floyd whatsoever. He has set the standard for all fighters (in combatting doping)."

Mayweather will put his unbeaten record on the line when he defends his WBC and WBA welterweight titles against fellow American Berto in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday. (Editing by Andrew Both)

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

LOOK: Floyd buys $4.8-M 'hyper car'

American boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather flaunted his immense wealth anew, this time posting a picture of his newest car on Instagram.

Mayweather, who earned over $200 million for his "Fight of the Century" against Manny Pacquiao last May, revealed on social media that he purchased a Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita for $4.8 million.

"Koenigsegg is an ultra boutique automobile manufacturer for the super rich. Koenigsegg made only two Trevitas for the world, and this is no. 2 of 2," Mayweather said in the caption.

"In addition, it is the only USA spec Trevita built in the world… The word Trevita means '3 whites.' It is beyond a super car and is classified as a hyper car," he added.

According to the Koenigsegg website, the Trevita uses "white carbon fibre that shines like millions of diamonds when the sun hits the car… it's a stunning visual effect and one that Koenigsegg is unlikely to ever produce again."

Mayweather, the highest paid athlete in the world, is known as much for his lavish lifestyle as for his tremendous fighting skills. He recently sold his Ferrari Enzo for $3.8 million before purchasing the Koenigsegg, and regularly shows off his collection of shoes, watches, and vehicles on Instagram.

(READ: 10 reasons why Floyd is nicknamed 'Money')

The American superstar is set to fight Andre Berto on September 12 in Las Vegas, in what he claims will be the final fight of his career.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Khan blasts 'childish' Floyd, looks forward to Pacquiao bout

MANILA – Former world champion Amir Khan of Britain has once again lashed out at Floyd Mayweather Jr. after the unbeaten American superstar last week formally announced that he will fight Andre Berto in September.

Khan has repeatedly challenged Mayweather to a fight, most notably after his victory over Chris Algieri in late May. The American, however, did not rise to the bait, and instead picked Berto, another former world champion, as his opponent for what he says will be his final fight.

When asked about Khan, Mayweather suggested that he should first try to avenge a loss to Danny Garcia that came in 2012, much to the dismay of the British boxer.

"He's just putting all these obstacles in front of me, because he knows that I'm obviously a big threat to him," Khan said, as quoted by Sky Sports. "Work it out. Look at my last few opponents, and he's fighting Berto."

"No disrespect to Berto, who is a friend of mine, but obviously, there are levels in boxing," he added.

Berto has gone only 3-3 in his last six fights, and the announcement that he will be Mayweather's opponent was mostly met with derision and disappointment by fans and boxing media alike.

"I think he's just being a little childish," Khan said of Mayweather. "He knows that Amir Khan will give him a tough fight, and he's kind of avoiding it."

Khan says he still has a lot of options, including a potential fight with countryman Kell Brook, as well as a showdown with former sparring partner Manny Pacquiao.

"If he (Mayweather) is not going to man up and fight me, then I'll have to fight Manny Pacquiao, or someone like that. Someone who would fight me," he added.

Khan further said that he believes the Pacquiao fight "can be made quite easily."

"I think Manny is a man, and he would definitely take that fight," he added.

Pacquiao cannot fight until 2016 as the Filipino icon is still recovering from a shoulder injury that he aggravated during his May 2 loss to Mayweather in their "Fight of the Century."

Pacquiao and Khan were stable mates and sparring partners until 2012, when Khan left Freddie Roach's Wild Card Gym and hired Virgil Hunter as his trainer.

 

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

'Brilliant' Floyd keeps top spot in ESPN P4P ratings

Undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. keeps the top spot in ESPN's pound-for-pound ratings, while his vanquished opponent, Manny Pacquiao, stays at No. 2 despite losing the "Fight of the Century."

Mayweather won the much-ballyhooed, but eventually underwhelming, welterweight showdown against Pacquiao via unanimous decision to hike his record to 48-0.

Pacquiao dropped to 57-6-2 and admitted after the fight that he had injured his shoulder in training camp.

Mayweather's victory all but assured that he will be considered the greatest fighter of his generation, and solidified his grip on the top spot in the pound-for-pound list.

He also remains the No. 1 fighter in ESPN's welterweight rankings.

"The fight was a dud because it lacked any real drama or excitement, but that was mainly because Mayweather was so brilliant that he shut down Pacquiao almost entirely to roll to a crystal-clear unanimous decision," ESPN's Dan Rafael wrote.

"The victory in the legacy fight stamped Mayweeather as the unified welterweight world champion, the true pound-for-pound king, and the greatest fighter of the era he and Pacquiao have dominated for years," he added.

Pacquiao remains second in both the pound-for-pound and welterweight lists.

"Pacquiao got off to a solid start, but then Mayweather took him apart over the second half of the fight to win a unanimous decision in a forgettable fight," Rafael wrote.

Unbeaten junior featherweight Guillermo Rigondeaux of Cuba stays in No. 3 in the pound-for-pound lists, while middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin climbs one spot to No. 4. Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez dropped one spot to No. 5.

Roman Gonzalez (No. 6), Timothy Bradley (No. 7), Wladmir Klitschko (No. 8) , Sergey Kovalev (No. 9) and Miguel Cotto (No. 10) round out the top 10 of ESPN's pound-for-pound list.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Referee explains Floyd's 'hugging' tactic

For referee Kenny Bayless, the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. showdown was a good, competitive fight, as he opened up on the supposed "hugging" tactics that the American employed during the match.

Mayweather won a unanimous decision to extend his winning streak to 48 fights, but many of Pacquiao's fans were frustrated with the American boxer's penchant for clinching and "running" every time the "Pacman" tried to attack.

"Those things happen in a fight. I can't make an issue, it happens," Bayless said, adding that Mayweather cleaned up his act.

"I gave him a warning, and he cleaned it up. All that stuff had no effect on the fight at all," he stressed.

Mayweather himself explained that tying Pacquiao up was part of his game plan.

"When he came in, I kept using the check hook, using the jab, and the hook, and when he got close, defense, and tie him up, roughhouse him," said Mayweather.

Fans were not impressed with these tactics, but Bayless said it was all part of the game.

"From a referee's standpoint, it was a very competitive fight," Bayless said. "The fighters, in my opinion, went out and gave it their all." -- From a report by Bev Llorente, ABS-CBN News North America

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Floyd to earn at least $200M in Pacquiao fight

When all is said and done, Floyd Mayweather Jr. estimated that he stands to earn some $200 million after his "Fight of the Century" against Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.

According to Mayweather, already the highest paid athlete in the world, he was already given a check for $100 million by his team after his fight against Pacquiao, which he won via unanimous decision.

"For my team to hand me a hundred million dollar check in the back is remarkable," Mayweather told reporters in the post-fight press conference.

"This week, in the last four days, I made $25 million before I even got to the fight, and then my team, after the fight, I was guaranteed a hundred million," he added.

"And then, I still got money on the backend, and other money that comes in. So we're looking upwards of $200 million," Mayweather said.

ESPN's boxing writer Dan Rafael confirmed Mayweather's assertion.


"Before leaving arena Floyd came over to me to chat (seriously) and to show me his check. $100M," he tweeted after the event.

Mayweather will earn a greater share of the revenue than Pacquiao, as the two boxers agreed to a 60-40 split.

Inside the ring, the "Fight of the Century" failed to live up to the incredible hype, but is still likely to break all of the sport's revenue records.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

WATCH: Floyd also wins in Punch-Out!!

MANILA -- Even in the video game Punch-Out!! Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s win over Manny Pacquiao disappointed a lot of people, albeit in an entertaining way.

The Punch-Out!! video, uploaded on YouTube, begins with the gamer asking to follow Mayweather's terms and conditions. After failing to agree, the game was terminated.

The gamer tried again and the whole game pretty much summarized what happened during the highly anticipated mega-fight with Mayweather running around and giving the "Pacman" hugs.

"This is EXACTLY how the fight went down! Pure COMEDY; great video!" one netizen said.

"The fact that you can run around like a scared little girl and win the 'fight' is why boxing is nowhere near what it used to be. It's dead," added another.


The video was posted before the fight, "accurately" predicting the Mayweather-Pacquiao clash.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Back in spotlight, boxers fighting to stay there

LAS VEGAS - Boxing was back in the headlines on Sunday, basking in the buzz generated by Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s win over Manny Pacquiao in a title fight watched ringside by A-listers and high rollers and millions more around the world on pay-per-view.

A smiling Mayweather exited the MGM Grand Garden Arena late Saturday night flashing a $100 million cheque, the first installment of perhaps a $200 million payday from what could be the top grossing prize fight of all-time.

The welterweight showdown between two boxers regarded as the best of their generation, hyped mercilessly as the 'Fight of the Century', failed to live up to those crushing expectations, but it did deliver an entertaining spectacle that had the capacity crowd of entertainment, sporting and business royalty on its feet roaring.

For a night, boxing, a sport many believe was down for the count, was back at the top.

"Many have said that boxing is dead," Peter Nelson, vice president of programming for HBO Sports which shared the pay-per-view rights with rival Showtime, told Reuters. "There's an inflection point where everyone is saying the sport is in decline, and another light shines.

"I think these things are cyclical. There are moments where it looks like there's a moment of pause, and then someone else picks up steam and acquires the fascination of the fans through their charisma in the ring and out of the ring and the sport replenishes itself.

"It's one of the great mysteries of the sport -- how the stars come to be."

Like every sport, boxing is built on stars and personalities and soon the fight game will be without its biggest and most marketable attraction,

The undefeated Mayweather (48-0) declared on Saturday that he will step into the rink just once more in September and then retire, having matched Rocky Marciano's record of 49-0.

Who will fill that void and take over as the sport's next headliner is unclear.

Heavyweights have traditionally commanded the boxing spotlight but there are no Muhammad Alis, Joe Fraziers or Mike Tysons waiting in the wings.

"Only heavyweight fights can be 'Fights of the Century'", former undisputed heavyweight world champion Lennox Lewis told Reuters. "This (Mayweather/Pacquiao) is a super fight , a mega super fight, because of the Internet and social media. I'm glad there is a mega fight in boxing.

"When you look at this type of money, boxing is still alive."

Mayweather's departure, if it comes, would be at a time when boxing is starting to lift itself off the canvas.

Battered by years of declining interest and in a battle with Mixed Martial Arts and the UFC for pay-per-view business, boxing has begun to hit back.

The week prior to the Mayweather/Pacquiao megafight, big time boxing returned to New York's Madison Square Garden where Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko defeated Bryant Jennings to match the legendary Joe Louis' mark of 27 world heavyweight championship fights.

More and more fight cards are popping up across the United States, offering another hint of a renaissance, but it is boxing's return to prime time television that will be the key to the sport's long term future in the United States.

Earlier this year major networks NBC Sports and CBS signed multi-year deals with the sport.

"In order to take this sport back to any level, you have to have it on more than eight times a year on HBO and six times a year on Showtime," boxing manager and promoter Shelly Finkel told Reuters. "You got to build a fighter.

"Returning the game to network television is fabulous.

"Is Mayweather-Pacquiao getting people talking about boxing? Definitely, but they will stop talking if there's not a follow-through afterward." (Editing by Gene Cherry)

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao says Floyd knew about his injury

Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao believes Floyd Mayweather Jr. was aware that he had suffered an injury in his right shoulder, and that the American boxer repeatedly targeted it during their "Fight of the Century" in Las Vegas last Saturday.

Pacquiao suffered the injury three weeks before the fight but opted not to postpone the event, believing he would be allowed to take a shot that will numb the pain during the 12-round welterweight encounter.

Unfortunately for Pacquiao, the Nevada State Athletic Commission barred him from taking the anti-inflammatory shot, severely hampering his performance against Mayweather. He wound up losing a unanimous decision.

Pacquiao believes Mayweather knew about the injury, pointing out that the American repeatedly grabbed his right forearm during their fight.

"Alam niya, ito ang hinahawakan niya," Pacquiao told reporters Sunday in Las Vegas (Monday morning in Manila), while grabbing his right forearm.

"I'm sure alam niya. Nag-leak 'yun. Alam nila," he said.

"Nakita mo 'yung hinihila niya 'yung kamay ko? Kasi alam niya. 'Di ba, hinihila niya?" he also said.

In the post-fight press conference, Mayweather was unsympathetic when informed of Pacquiao's injury but gave no indication that he had any prior knowledge of it.

"I had injuries also going into this fight," the American boxer said. "Both of my arms are injured, both of my hands are injured, but like I said before, I will always find a way to win."

Mayweather also repeatedly tied up Pacquiao every time the Filipino boxer was able to tag him with a flurry of punches, something that irked many Filipino fans.

Pacquiao, for his part, just laughed it off.

"Mahal niya yata ako," he quipped, when asked about Mayweather's "hugs."

Mayweather also repeatedly raked his face with his glove, leading Pacquiao to say: "Buti na lang may gloves or puro gasgas ang mukha ko."

The "Pacman" said Mayweather should be given credit for his victory, but disagrees with the American boxer's assertion that he completely controlled the bout.

"Hindi niya na-control," Pacquiao said, shaking his head. "Hindi siya makagalaw kung kumpleto 'yung (kamay) ko."

As they were in the lead-up to the fight, Mayweather and Pacquiao were mostly cordial and respectful after the bout. They embraced at the start of the 12th round, and Mayweather went over to Pacquiao's corner to tell him that he was a tough competitor moments after the final bell.

Pacquiao even tried to invite Mayweather to a Bible study session the day after the fight, but said he couldn't reach his opponent.

"Kagabi nga, sinubukan ko tawagan ang phone niya kagabi. Imbitahin ko sana siya sa Bible study kanina," Pacquiao revealed. "Off 'yung phone niya."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Mayweather 'parang daga', says Mommy D

MANILA – Dionesia Pacquiao, the mother of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, reiterated she wants her son to retire from boxing.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News’ Dyan Castillejo on Monday, Mommy Dionesia said even Pacquiao’s coach has told her to advise her son to stop boxing.

“Para sa akin, retiro na siya,” she said.

Mommy Dionesia also shared that she knew early on that American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. will not allow himself to be defeated.

Despite this, Mommy Dionesia said what Mayweather did was to run away, as if telling her son to come after him.

“Alam ko na hindi sila papaya matalo. Ganyan ang ugali nila. Ang ginawa ni Mayweather, runner. Parang daga siya,” she said.

Even though her son lost, Mommy Dionesia said she is still happy because in the hearts of many boxing fans, her son still won.

“Ang lahat ng mga kapwa Pilipino, kahit hindi Pilipino, narinig ko sabi ‘Ikaw pa rin, Manny.’ May Mexicano din na kumausap sa amin na si Manny pa rin ang kampyon nila,” she said.

“Relaks lang kayong mga Pinoy at sa mga umiidolo sa anak ko. Natalo man ang ating boxer sa ring, sa puso ninyo, hindi pa talo. Sa puso natin hindi siya talo. Mahal na mahal natin siya. Siya ang panalo sa taas,” she added.

During the much-hyped "Fight of the Century" at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday (Sunday in Manila), Mayweather backed up his claim of being "The Best Ever" as he out-pointed Pacquiao to win the bout.

The judges scored the bout 118-110, 116-112, and 116-112, giving Mayweather his 48th straight victory.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Floyd calls Pacquiao a 'remarkable fighter' but…

Floyd Mayweather Jr. commended his beaten opponent Manny Pacquiao but stopped short of calling the Filipino icon the toughest foe of his storied boxing career.

Mayweather came away with a unanimous decision over Pacquiao in their highly-anticipated "Fight of the Century," hiking his record to 48-0 and cementing his status as the best boxer of his generation.

Pacquiao fought well in the early rounds, but ultimately could not get past Mayweather's jab and repeatedly ran into the American's laser-like right hand. He revealed after the bout that he was hampered by an injured right shoulder that prevented him from putting together the multi-punch combinations that have become his trademark.

"Manny, he's a remarkable fighter. He's an unbelievable fighter," Mayweather said in the post-fight press conference.

"But I can't just say that he's the toughest fighter that I faced, and I can't say he's the hardest puncher that I faced," he added. "But I can see why he's where he's at in the sport."

Mayweather said Pacquiao used "little moves" in the fight, but his experience as a boxer allowed him to counter and calculate the Filipino fighter's moves.

The American also said he figured out Pacquiao as early as the opening round of the bout.

"I knew I had him from round 1," Mayweather said. "I came out there, feel him out. I want to see certain moves. I wanted to see his jab, because if he used his jab, I'm gonna counter over his jab. If he used his jab, I'm gonna slide over and counter him with the right hand."

"Everything is calculated moves," he added. "I'm 10 steps ahead of any fighter."

Mayweather noted that Pacquiao "hit me with a real, real good shot," likely in the fourth round, but he was able to take it well.

"I said, you've been here before, you know what it takes. Just wait, wait, make him miss, and what I do is go down to his body, slow him up, and when I slow him with the body shot, look him down, feint him, and touch him with the jab," he explained.

Pacquiao is a "tough competitor," Mayweather acknowledged, and the Filipino did win some rounds. But the American was also extremely confident of victory because he believed that he was the smarter fighter.

"I knew he was gonna be tough. You know, I knew he was gonna be a tough competitor," he said.

"He's tough, but his footwork compared to my footwork is totally different. When he comes in, I kept using the check hook, using the jab, and when he got close, defense, and I tie him up, roughhouse him," he explained.

"I got to do that with experience, roughhouse him, take him back to the center of the ring, counter, touch him with the jab," he added. "Just being smart."

Mayweather made great use of his 72-inch reach as he circled well out of Pacquiao's reach and refused to get sucked into a slugfest with the "Pacman."

"Other fighters got baited into engaging toe-to-toe with Manny, and that's what he wanted," he pointed out.

Pacquiao said after the fight that he believed he won, and although visibly disappointed, he maintained that he was happy to have fought well for 12 rounds even with an injury.

"I respect Mayweather," Pacquiao also said. "He's fast, he's a good boxer. You know, give the credit to him. He won tonight."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Mayweather plans to relinquish all title belts

Floyd Mayweather Jr. will relinquish all of the championships that he currently holds sometime soon, and his last fight – scheduled for September – may end up being a non-title fight.

Mayweather made the announcement in the post-fight press conference following his unanimous decision victory over Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao that solidified his status as the best boxer of his era.

"I'm gonna relinquish all my belts," Mayweather said. "I made a decision at the back that my last fight may not be a championship fight. I'm gonna give up all the belts."

"It's still gonna be a 12-round fight, but I'm gonna relinquish all the belts," he added.

Mayweather may give up his titles as early as Monday although it may also take a couple of weeks, the fighter said.

The victory over Pacquiao allowed Mayweather to annex the WBO welterweight belt, adding it to the WBA (Super), WBC and The RING welterweight titles that he retained. Mayweather also owns the WBC and WBA light middleweight championships.

Asked why he plans to relinquish all of his titles, Mayweather said: "Other fighters need a chance… I'm not greedy."

"I'm world champion at two different weight classes right now. I'm undisputed welterweight champion, I got the WBC and the WBA at super welterweight… it's time for other fighters to fight for the belt," he explained.

In his 19-year career, Mayweather has won 11 world titles in five different weight divisions.

He will fight his last fight in September to fulfill a six-match deal with Showtime and CBS, but Mayweather admits that his passion for boxing has waned over the years.

"I don't really think I'm gonna miss this sport," he said. "I don't really watch boxing."

"At one particular time, I loved the sport of boxing. I wanted to go to every fight, I wanted to be at every boxing event," he added. "But throughout the years, I just lost the love for the sport."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com