When there is a bit of drama and story surrounding a boxing match fans are much more interested in it. One of the most foolproof ways to create interest is the ‘good guy-bad guy’ trope. The Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao showdown from 2015 was one such fight that used this trope in the promotions.
MMA analyst and former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen recently shed light on why this did not work for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight.
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Mayweather faced Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Paradise, Nevada, on May 2, 2015. The bout titled, ‘The Battle for Greatness’ saw Mayweather put his WBA (Unified), WBC, and The Ring welterweight titles on the line, and it was one of the most highly anticipated bouts of the 21st century.
‘TBE’ went on to win the bout by decision, thereby retaining his titles and winning the WBO welterweight title.
Meanwhile, Sonnen spoke about the importance of the ‘good guy-bad guy‘ trope in fight promotions. Speaking about why it did not work for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, he said, “Floyd Mayweather did everything he could to become the bad guy against Manny Pacquiao. And he did it, Floyd had his part. Pacquiao, while being the good guy, didn’t come out and do any good guy stuff. He brought a little boyish smile in a suit that fit pretty well.”
He further added, “It just doesn’t work. Specified that the boxing world wanted to see for 10 years. And the boxing world has forgotten that it even happened.”
READ MORE – Floyd Mayweather Expected to Earn $30 Million From His Easiest Fight Ever
Sonnen also mentioned that all big fights require some drama to spice up the promotions.
Floyd Mayweather might fight Manny Pacquiao again
It looks like Global Titans boss Uday Singh wishes to recreate the Floyd Mayweather magic by bringing him back into professional boxing. Moreover, it also looks like he wishes to rope in Mayweather’s former opponents.
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Talking about the same, Singh said, “These are very big names as we’ve had interest from a few people like Conor and Manny Pacquiao. In the meantime, all exhibition fights will have some sort of entertainment aspect to a real fight.”
It was also mentioned that there were talks to pay Mayweather eight figures every time he fights.
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What are your thoughts on the Pacquiao vs Mayweather fight? Do let us know in the comments below.