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Las Vegas throbbed with anticipation as the clock counted down to the moment Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather enter the ring for their long-awaited showdown that has captivated sports fans around the world.
The bout that is more than five years in the making has transcended the traditional boxing scene, catapulting the sport back into the public consciousness in a way that hasn't been seen for decades.
"Sin City" was buzzing ahead of the welterweight world title showdown - a crowd of 11,500 turned out for the weigh-in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
The same venue will host the bout, which seems to be a lock to become the most lucrative fight of all time.
No one thought I could beat Oscar, and I was the underdog then. Maybe it's good for me
Manny Pacquiao
Total revenue could reach US$400 million, fuelled by as many as three million pay-per-view purchases. The record for pay-per-view buys is just under 2.5 million, and there have been fewer than 25 fights that have exceeded one million.
Add to that live crowd revenue of more than US$70 million, closed-circuit television revenues, sponsorship and merchandising and it could all add up to a possible US$200 million payday for Mayweather, an American, and a US$100 million bonanza for Pacquiao, of the Philippines.
The breathtaking figures have intensified the spotlight on a fight between two of the greatest fighters of their generation.

In Las Vegas, tourism officials said occupancy for the city's 150,000 hotel rooms would approach 100 per cent. Casinos were advertising red-carpet events hosted by hip-hop stars such as Puff Daddy and Snoop Dogg and pop star Justin Bieber - a Mayweather fan and friend.
Even if it doesn't measure up to Mayweather's claim of the "biggest fight in boxing history", it's an intriguing clash between men of contrasting personalities.
Pacquiao, an icon in the Philippines, is a two-term congressman with a music and film career. He credits the grace of God for lifting him from poverty in his youth and later guiding him away from a life of excess that his ring success made possible.
"Pacman" will go into the ring with all of the Philippines in his corner. Streets will be empty on fight day - this morning in the Philippines - as the nation of 100 million cheers its "National Fist".
I've dedicated myself to boxing for more than 20 years. I'm ready
Floyd Mayweather Jnr
Mayweather, meanwhile, touts his status as a money-making machine and comes from a troubled past that includes jail time for one of a string of domestic violence incidents.
Mayweather, 47-0 with 26 knockouts, is a 2-1 favourite to add Pacquiao's World Boxing Organisation world title to his own World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council belts.
While more money is on Mayweather, more bettors were backing Pacquiao. "Public opinion is definitely Manny Pacquiao," said Jay Rood, vice-president of race and sports books for MGM Resorts International.
Maybe so, but boxing opinion still gives the edge to Mayweather, most likely by 12-round decision. The 38-year-old American is a supremely skilled boxer and potentially devastating counter-puncher, famed for his ability to hit without being hit.
Pacquiao, weighing in a pound lighter than Mayweather, is content in his underdog role.

A winner of world titles in an unprecedented eight weight divisions, Pacquiao noted that he's beaten plenty of big foes, among them Oscar De La Hoya in 2008.
"No one thought I could beat Oscar, and I was the underdog then," said Pacquiao, who moved up 12 pounds in weight to batter the "Golden Boy" in a fight that sent him into retirement. "Maybe it's good for me."
Once each had stepped off the scale, Mayweather and Pacquiao came eye-to-eye for a stare down - just their third face-to-face meeting since the bout was announced in February.
Their next will come today, when they step into the ring.
"I've dedicated myself to boxing for more than 20 years," Mayweather said. "I'm ready."
 


Sin city of Las Vegas buzzing for Mayweather-Pacquiao fight of the century

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao at their weigh-in where they shared the same space for the last time before facing each other in their long-awaited welterweight title clash at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Photo: AFP

A life-sized cake of Manny Pacquiao in a Manila bakery.

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao at the MGM dominates the heart of Las Vegas ahead of the fight. Photo: USA Today Sports

A painting called 'Superfight' by artist Richard Stone is on display at an art gallery in the MGM Grand Hotel. Photo: AFP

Sport

Boxing

Bout between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao is reviving the sport's global popularity


Las Vegas throbbed with anticipation as the clock counted down to the moment Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather enter the ring for their long-awaited showdown that has captivated sports fans around the world.


Sin city of Las Vegas buzzing for Mayweather-Pacquiao fight of the century

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Bout between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao is reviving the sport's global popularity

Bout between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao is reviving the sport's global popularity