Mayweather-Pacquiao: Boxing Insiders Say, Today’s the Day

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Let’s get ready to announce **Michael Buffer voice**

mayweather-pacquiao-1422475251The Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao fight is so huge, and the anticipation is so intense that the announcement of the announcement has gotten full attention from social media, not to mention boxing’s most prestigious scribes.

Over the last few hours, expectations have grown considerably that the richest mega fight in boxing will be announced today. Just the idea of an announcement has sent shockwaves through the boxing community and in a way that is unlike other previously potential announcements over the past several weeks.

The fight was thought to be announced on Super Bowl Sunday a few weeks ago based off the idea that Mayweather-Pacquiao would use the high-profile nature of the event as a way to kick off the promotion and capitalize off of coverage, but it never was. Then, the NBA All-Star game seemed like the perfect opportunity because Floyd was attending the game.

What makes today considerably different is the buy-in from writers in boxing that are rarely wrong and almost never speculate. On the aforementioned days, most credible writers denied any chance of the fight being announced, and many were demeaning toward those that believed the hype. But as I previously mentioned, today has a different feel.

Lance Pugmire of the LA Times has been plugged in from the beginning, and he tweeted:

“Was told the announcement from @FloydMayweather could come this afternoon, but he has freedom to do it whenever he sees fit,” -@latimespugmire.

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, another well-respected figure in boxing, tweeted the following:

“Optimism at an all-time high that Pacquiao-Mayweather is near finish line. From what I hear virtually all lingering issues resolved.” @ChrisMannixSI.

Mannix followed up with: “Whenever the announcement comes, it will come from Floyd, via social media. Pacquiao’s side just waiting for it to come.” -@ChrisMannixSI.

Earlier today, before most of the hoopla became common knowledge, Dan Rafael of ESPN.com tweeted some very significant details regarding a Mayweather-Pacquiao PPV. Rafael stated that the PPV telecast would consist of 3 fights: Mayweather-Pacquiao and Top Rank and Mayweather Promotions responsible for one undercard fight each. He later mentioned that the price of the PPV would be higher than the standard rate, which is $75 for HD. Some boxing insiders have speculated the fight could cost $100 for non-HD telecast.

Rafael Posted a tweet less than an hour ago that said: “Basically every1 involved in #MayweatherPacquiao (both sides) simply waiting for Floyd to announce. All are calm & say negotiation complete,” @danrafaelespn.

Mayweather Jr. is going to be responsible for announcing this fight, and most assume he will do so on his social media app Shots, which was recently launched and has since been heavily promoted by Mayweather Jr.

The deal appears done, but as far as an official announcement goes there is no timetable and we can’t forget that it’s Floyd’s world. Mayweather will undoubtedly make the announcement in some sort of grand fashion or in a way that would live up to his persona.

However, if we are all in Floyd’s world and Floyd wants to live up to his own antics then he might’ve sniffed out all the speculation and decide to make the announcement tomorrow. If Mayweather being Mayweather means doing things that others don’t expect and/or appreciate then he might even have a hostile feeling towards the speculation and throw a wet blanket over the fiery anticipation by waiting for the weekend.

Regardless, the fight appears on track, but I won’t fully believe it until the opening bell.