After getting derided for his inability to solve the puzzle that is Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas last May 2, Filipino pride Manny Pacquiao will end up laughing all the way to the bank.
An industry source in the US told the Bulletin yesterday that the super showdown will ultimately hit 4.7 million buys as it is already reached 4.5 million as of this writing.
The previous record was posted in 2007 when Oscar De La Hoya faced Mayweather with over 2.4 million subscriptions posted. Another Mayweather headliner in 2013, against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, generated 2.2 million buys.
But the Pacquiao-Mayweather numbers are simply mind-blowing as early estimates say 3 million would already be a phenomenal number.
With cable operators still tallying and the number going beyond 4 million, Pacquiao and Mayweather will end up earning much, much more.
Mayweather was guaranteed $120 million, while Pacquiao was assured of $80 million in the welterweight unification bout that took place at the MGM Grand. Fight favorite Maywather won on a unanimous decision.
Since they are entitled to handsome cuts in the revenue, Pacquiao and Mayweather will be adding more to their current haul.
Top Rank chief Bob Arum said Pacquiao will definitely get more than $100 million in total revenue from the landmark fight.
The fight retailed at $100 on PPV.
Other sources of revenue for the two stars are the closed circuit viewing, gate attendance and also the fight merchandise that were gobbled up by fans who watched the fight live and even those who milled around the MGM Grand and its properties mainly to soak up the electricity.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao is scheduled to arrive in Manila early this morning on board Philippine Airlines after a 14-hour trip from Los Angeles.
Pacquiao will be joined in the trip by his wife Jinkee and their five kids and other key family members.
After a press conference at the VIP Lounge of Terminal 2, Pacquiao will have a breakfast meeting with political leaders in Makati.
A motorcade is set at 9 am although the parade will be held mostly in the Makati area and ending at the Rajah Sulayman Park in Manila.