Fight fans rejoiced and social media exploded on Friday at the news that the long-awaited clash between Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao would at last take place in Las Vegas on May 2.
“Can’t wait to see” tweeted former boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard, who won titles in five weight divisions.
Former English soccer player and TV presenter Gary Lineker wrote on Twitter: “Now that is a fight!”
Ring Magazine, the so-called Bible of Boxing, said: “Mayweather-Pacquiao is here, kiss the record book goodbye,” and film actress and fight fan Rosie Perez tweeted: “Finally! God Bless America, two times!”
Mayweather, 37, will carry a 47-0 record into the bout, while 36-year-old Filipino Pacquiao is 57-5-2.
“What the world has been waiting for has arrived,” Mayweather said in announcing the clash on the social networking Web site Shots. “Mayweather vs Pacquiao on May 2, 2015, is a done deal.”
The Filipino countered with: “I am very happy that Floyd Mayweather and I can give the fans the fight they have wanted for so many years. They have waited long enough and they deserve it.”
VEGAS BUZZING
Las Vegas was abuzz by the excitement of what promises to be the biggest fight since the days of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
Mayweather opened as an almost 3-to-1 favorite in the earliest lines.
The welterweight showdown in Vegas is projected to be the most lucrative ever in boxing, with Mayweather expected to haul in a minimum of US$120 million in a 60-40 split with Pacquiao, who figures to make at least US$80 million.
“Outside of the Super Bowl, this could be the single biggest wagering event we’ve ever had,” Jay Kornegay, Westgate Las Vegas sports book director, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
This year’s Super Bowl drew a handle of almost US$116 million in Nevada.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely