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Mayweather, Pacquiao rivalry stays professional through press conference

March 11, 2015

Floyd Mayweather Jr., left, and Manny Pacquiao, of the Philippines, pose for photos during a news conference, Wednesday, March 11, 2015, in Los Angeles. The two are scheduled to fight in Las Vegas on May 2. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

By Brian Han

LOS ANGELES – Boxers Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Manny Pacquiao finally got together to officially announced their highly anticipated May 2 bout Wednesday in downtown Los Angeles for the sport’s richest fight ever.

Although the purse is still being calculated, promoter Bob Arum predicts a figure that makes any other fight pale in comparison.

“We have to do the math, after adding everything I think the amount of money to distribute will be $300 million, 60 percent for Mayweather which is $180 million, and 40 percent for Pacquiao which is $120 million,” he told reporters.

The press conference started a bit slow with formal introductions and sponsorship mentions, but Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach jumped straight into the hype and rivalry.

“We’re fighting the best fighter in the world but we’re going to kick his ass,” said Roach.

Pacquiao kept his own statement neutral with respect to the competition.

“We will do our best on May 2 to make you happy,” he said. “I want to let people know that there is a God who can shape something from nothing and that’s me.”

Mayweather also showed a little humility rather than letting loose like he has been known to in the past.

“First off I want to thank my father, unbelievable trainer, unbelievable person… I’ve never wanted to win so bad in my life,” he said.

He almost seemed overwhelmed by the moment, stuttering a few times and allowing his voice to crack.

Thanks to social media, both Mayweather and Pacquiao have established public images that could not be further apart.

From the right, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Justin Bieber (Brian Han/Korea Times)

For those who follow Pacquiao on Instagram, they see a man who regularly references the Bible, poses with fans and sings gospel music alongside his wife.

With Mayweather, there are literally stacks of money, rare and exotic cars, appearances with other A-list celebrities — a persona that’s larger-than-life.

The anticipation for the matchup has been building for five years if not longer and after both fighters were able to put aside differences — including drug testing and television rights — fans from around the world rejoiced when they informally announced they had signed contracts to participate in the fight in February.

Eight-division world champion Pacquiao has been preparing at Los Angeles’ Wild Card gym since March 2 with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.

Undefeated five-division world champion Mayweather is training with his father, Floyd Mayweather, Sr. in Las Vegas.

The two are scheduled to fight on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev.