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 What had been a subdued buildup to the most anticipated fight in
decades exploded to life when Pacquiao and then Mayweather entered
the MGM Grand Garden Arena to thumping hip hop music and deafening
cheers from a seething crowd of 11,500, some of whom had waited
three hours for a glimpse of the two boxers.
Pacquiao, 57-5-2 (38 knockouts) looking relaxed and confident,
weighed in one pound lighter than the undefeated Mayweather 47-0 (26
KOs), tipping the scales at 145 pounds for Saturday's bout.
Their meeting is expected to be the biggest grossing prize fight of
all-time.
"I have dedicated myself to the sport of boxing for the last 20
years and I am ready," declared Mayweather over a roar of boos and
cheers.
Asked for a prediction about the fight, the 38-year-old American
said, "I can't really say but I am ready to fight. It's an
unbelievable turnout. I'm glad all the fans came out to here to
support Manny and me."
Normally free and open to the public, the weigh-in broke from
tradition, charging $10 to watch Mayweather and Pacquiao step onto
the scales in a move designed to maintain crowd control.
All money raised through ticket sales went to charity, but many of
the tickets found their way onto the resale market with some
commanding $500.
A smiling Pacquiao, dressed in a bright red track suit, waved and
raised his fists into the air as he slowly made his way to the
stage, playfully interacting with the crowd.
In stark contrast, Mayweather was serious and focused, rarely
looking up from under the brim of his 'Money Team' baseball cap to
reveal a cheeky smirk.
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Once the business of the official weigh-in was complete, the two
welterweights moved to the front of the stage for the traditional
stare down, the smaller Pacquiao looking up at Mayweather with a
challenging smile while the stone-faced American stared
straight-ahead unmoved.
"I have been fighting bigger guys like (Antonio) Margarito and
(Oscar) De La Hoya," said the Filipino southpaw. "It doesn't matter
to me. I feel tomorrow that the Lord is always with me and gives me
strength.
"I know it's a great, great responsibility for me to give enjoyment
to the fans.
"Tomorrow the fans deserve to have a great fight."
(Editing by Gene Cherry)
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
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