Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr have topped boxing's informal "pound-for-pound" rankings for most of a decade, and for much of that time fight fans have clamoured for them to meet in the ring.
Explanations for why they did not were numerous. They could not agree financial terms; drug-testing derailed discussion; one of them never really wanted a fight, until now.
It was never doubted Pacquiao wanted the match-up, and now the planet’s most famous Filipino has his wish. He and Mayweather meet in a US$300 million (Dh1.1 billion) showdown on Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The sport’s only eight-weight champion gets his chance to put the first blemish on the unbeaten American’s record.
Pacquiao, 36, is a boxer who also sidelines as a politician, a singer, a movie star, and player/coach of his own basketball team. At 1.67 metres, he is undoubtedly one of the smallest players in the Philippines national league.
Listen: The great Floyd Mayweather v Manny Pacquiao debate between Jon Turner and Steve Luckings
He has recorded two platinum-selling albums, has been elected twice to his country’s congress and is widely expected to run for presidency when he decides to hang up his gloves.
When he competes on Saturday night for 40 per cent of the richest purse in boxing history he will be watched by around 107 million people in his homeland. Those numbers will be bolstered by an estimated four million-plus of his compatriots who live in the Middle East.
Pacquiao said he wants all of them to see him bring glory to his country.
“I hope my fellow Filipinos will be able to watch this fight in the Middle East and UAE because every time I fight it is to bring honour and glory to the Philippines and my Filipino brothers and sisters around the world,” Pacquiao said last week in an interview with The National.
He is also a man who has found religion; he led Bible studies among his massive travelling entourage at his US training camp. “I enjoy sharing the gospel of God with anyone. Read your Bible; it’s your manual for life,” he said.
See more: Where the watch the Floyd Mayweather v Manny Pacquiao in the UAE
In the ring, in hand-to-hand combat, is where Pacquiao excels. His 57-5-2 record over a 20-year career has seen him beat the best of his generation, including Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales and Miguel Cotto. His popularity both in his homeland and in the US is the reason Hollywood A-listers flock to have their picture taken with him.
Academy-award nominee Liam Neeson, star of blockbusters such as Taken and Schindler’s List, called the Filipino southpaw a “hero” and that “the only time my knees shook was when I met Manny Pacquiao and Muhammad Ali”.
Sylvester Stallone, who starred as the protagonist in the Rocky films, called Pacquiao “the single bravest fighter ever to put on a pair of gloves”.
Lavish praise. But does Pacquiao think beating Mayweather on Saturday night will cement his place as one of the greatest boxers?
“That is for others to decide,” he said. “I have had a most fulfilling and rewarding career in boxing and this fight doesn’t define my status.”
The trash talk that accompanies most of Mayweather’s fights has been strangely muted in the build-up to this one, although one of the five-weight world champion’s quips soon after the fight was announced in February was: “There are five ways to beat Pacquiao and there are zero ways to beat me,” a reference to Pacquiao’s five career defeats, compared to Mayweather’s zero losses.
Is defeat on Pacquaio’s mind?
Also read: Omar Al Raisi's interview with Floyd Mayweather ahead of Manny Pacquiao fight
“Never,” he said. “I only think about winning.”
Even before their first fight has taken place, there is talk of a rematch.
“I can’t talk about anything else but the upcoming fight; let’s get through May 2 first – that alone has taken five years,” Pacquiao said.
He has previously struggled against excellent counter-punchers; the four duels against Juan Manuel Marquez are the most obvious examples. Mayweather may be an even better exponent of the tactic than the Mexican.
However, Pacquiao says he and trainer Freddie Roach have devised a plan that will surprise Mayweather.
“I just want to say: tune in on May 2. Freddie Roach and I have a lot of surprises planned for Floyd, he is not expecting what I will bring,” he said.
And Pacquiao’s message to his Filipino fans in the UAE?
“Finally, I just want to thank all of you Filipinos in the UAE and Middle East for your support. You have waited five years for this fight. I will not disappoint you. It is time for Floyd to lose!”
sports@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
