With no less than Manny Pacquiao himself serving as go-between, Solar Entertainment Corporation yesterday formally announced the viewing of the Filipino icon’s historic May 2 (May 3 in the Philippines) faceoff with Floyd Mayweather on the country’s three major networks.
Wilson Tieng, head of Solar, said during a press conference at Solaire that GMA7, ABS-CBN and even TV5 will do the telecast of the super fight on free TV live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“This is our aim of bringing the fight closer to the people,” said Tieng, citing that “it was Manny Pacquiao who made it all happen.”
Solar had acquired the broadcast rights of Pacquiao-Mayweather to the tune of $10 million and even GMA7, which has shown Pacquiao’s fights the last eight years, has given in to the fighting congressman’s request.
“In consideration of the Filipino people who are all eager to witness the said match, GMA network will be waiving its exclusive rights in the Philippines for this particular fight,” said GMA7 in a statement.