Pacquiao, Mayweather formally announce super fight

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. on Thursday graced a cordial but tension-filled press conference to formally announce their May 2 showdown, both expressing relief that the fight is finally happening.

Both clad in suits, Mayweather and Pacquiao were gracious to each other, thanking everyone involved in a tough negotiation period that ran for several weeks.

And now the megabuck match – expected to be the richest ever to be made in boxing – is a reality.

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“The fight is on, and you're very excited. We will do our best on May 2 to make you happy,” a calm Pacquiao told reporters at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

Mayweather and Pacquiao will clash at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, with the American aiming to preserve his immaculate record and his Filipino rival trying what 47 other fighters before him failed to do.

Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach acknowledged the magnitude of the bout and its impact to everyone involved.

“I love challenges and this is the biggest challenge of my life,” the multi-awarded cornerman said.

Mayweather, for his part, is as equally relieved that the super fight is a go.

“It's been a long road but we're here now,” said the Las Vegas-based fighter. “This is an unbelievable match-up. Action-packed fight.”

The presser, streamed live around the world, had a calm atmosphere to it with both camps cordial to each other. But Mayweather took a subtle hit at Pacquiao’s losses while emphasizing his unbeaten run.

“When you lose it's in your mind. You lose once, it's in your mind. You lose twice, it's in your mind. From day one, I was always a winner,” Mayweather continued.

Pacquiao has had five setbacks in his brilliant career, the last one a devastating knockout defeat to Juan Manuel Marquez in 2012 – the same fighter Mayweather had little trouble dispatching in 2009.

Mayweather said the Pacquiao fight will be the biggest of his similarly impressive career.

“I've pushed myself to the limit because I never want to win a fight so bad in my life,” he continued.

Mayweather’s longtime adviser Leonard Ellerbe said ticket prices will range from USD1,500 to USD7,500, and that an announcement on the start of the sale will be done soon. These are tickets every boxing fan would die to have.

From their introduction at the dais to their face-off, Mayweather and Pacquiao displayed no hint of disdain for each other. They didn’t need to, as it is a fight that obviously needs no hype.

Perhaps the only trash-talking of the event came from the usually outspoken Roach.

“We're gonna kick his ass. Good luck, Floyd,” Roach boasted.