The magic word turned out to be no secret at all: Manny Pacquiao.
Upon Pacquiao’s request, the country’s major television networks and biggest mall chain agreed to air the eight-division world champion’s May 2 (May 3 in Manila) megabuck bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr. for free through Solar Sports, which brought the Philippine broadcast right for the Fight of the Century for $10 million.
Thus, Solar Sports will feed “Battle for Greatness” simultaneously on ABS-CBN 2, GMA 7 and TV5 on a slightly delayed basis.
Fans may also watch the event live on the big screen through SM Cinemas, among them the Mall of Asia Arena, and Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Sky Cable and Cignal will be the pay-per-view providers and DZBB the radio carrier.
The welterweight title unification showdown between the pound-for-pound rivals can also be accessed via mobile phones and laptops through PLDT/Smart.
According to Wilson Tieng, president and CEO of Solar Sports, Pacquiao paved the way for the historic united broadcast as he personally requested the networks’ big bosses that his fight against Mayweather reach as many Filipinos as possible.
A press conference was held at Solaire Resort & Casino Manila yesterday to announce the broadcast alliance, highlighted by a live message from Pacquiao even though it was already 11:30 p.m. Wednesday in Los Angeles, where he’s deep in training.
“I want to thank Solar Sports, GMA 7, ABS-CBN and TV5 for agreeing to unite in bringing the fight to our countrymen,” said Pacquiao in Filipino.
This will be the 24th straight Pacquiao fight to be aired by Solar Sports in a 12-year span.
Though the historic mega-broadcast partnership is a one-shot deal, Tieng said nothing is impossible, especially if Pacquiao wins over Mayweather.
With Pacquiao still bothered by leg cramps, chief trainer Freddie Roach and conditioning coach Justin Fortune have abandoned the uphill climbs at Griffith Park in favor of the University of California Los Angeles track oval.
The shift to flat runs may have done Pacquiao some good as he was fast and relentless in his eight-round sparring session with prime prospects Keandre Gibson, 12-0, five knockouts and Kenneth Sims Jr. (5-0, 2 KOs) last Tuesday at Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.
For more updates on Pacquiao-Mayweather “Fight of the Century,” visit The Pacquiao Files.