LAS VEGAS–The majestic MGM Grand is bathed in a swatch of green, the color of money. Almost as if it were on purpose, huge posters of Floyd “Money” Mayweather adorn its exterior.
Underneath the image of the undefeated fighter raising his hands in triumph are the words: “Home of the champion.”
At the heart of MGM’s fight scene, the Garden Arena, Friday afternoon, you wouldn’t think so.
Manny Pacquiao received a warm, electric welcome during the official weigh-in, drawing loud cheers when he made his way to the ring, when he stepped on the scales to register 145 pounds and when his relaxed, smiling face was shown on he wide screen above the stage.
READ: Pacquiao 145, Mayweather 146 at official weigh-in
“The fans deserve a great fight,” Pacquiao said, eliciting a huge roar from the crowd. “Whether you are fans of Mayweather or fans of Pacquiao, you deserve a great fight (Saturday night).”
In contrast, Mayweather was booed lustily in each of the same situations the crowd cheered for the eight-division Filipino champion.
Fans cheer during the official weigh in of Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. PHOTO BY REM ZAMORA
Mayweather tipped the scales at 146 lb for his battle against Pacquiao and bravely sailed through an interview despite the boos and jeers.
“I dedicated myself to boxing for 20 years, I’m ready for this fight,” said the undefeated Mayweather
Pacquiao and Mayweather square off Saturday also at the Garden Arena of MGM Grand in a fight that is being billed as the richest ever in boxing history. The fight is expected to earn as much as $400 million, with the fighters getting at least a combined $200 million.
READ: Pacquiao-Mayweather megabout by the numbers