How Manny Pacquiao has put Macau on the fight map
Filipino fighter set to make Macau the new Vegas
Years ago Macau snatched the title of the world’s biggest gambling hub from Las Vegas and now, it wants a slice of the boxing action too.
With Manny Pacquiao following Chinese star Zou Shiming to the glitzy casino haven near Hong Kong, Macau looks set to copy Vegas by becoming a boxing capital - with promoters eyeing a huge potential audience in China.
The November 24 bout, between Pacquiao and American Brandon Rios in the semi-autonomous territory, will be the biggest pro fight yet on Chinese soil. Not surprisingly, it will be financially advantageous for all concerned.
Filipino Pacquiao, 34, once considered the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter but now battling back from two straight losses, saves a fortune in American tax. He has not fought outside the United States since 2006.
Macau, and especially The Venetian, the giant casino-resort which is hosting the fight, gains more visitors, a higher profile, and an image diversified away from gambling.
And top American promoter Bob Arum brings another big event to China, which he calls the “new destination for big time boxing”. Zou’s win against Eleazar Valenzuela last month drew an estimated 300 million TV viewers in the country.