Sold-out, electric arena at #MayPac weigh-in

Pre-fight weigh-ins are usually free. But an entire arena filled up by paying fans just for a weigh-in? That’s something totally unheard of until Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr stepped on the scales on May 1 (May 2 Manila time), that is.

Natashya Gutierrez files this video blog:

It’s unlike anyone has ever seen before. An arena that sits 16,800 – filled to the rafters. And it’s not even fight night yet. Fans are here for the weigh-in for the megafight between Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao on May 2.

The air is electric as the mostly pro-Pacquiao crowd chants his name. Fans carry posters, flags and creative signs announcing their pick. Hip-hop music blares from the speakers, with rapper Flo Rida playing live music for the fans in the house.

There are celebrity sightings too.

Fight fever is at boiling point here at the MGM Grand Garden Arena which was filled with fans hours before the actual event. They come from all over the country and around the world. Usually, organizers don’t charge for the weigh in but this time they’ve charged $10 for crowd control. I’ve spoken to some people and they paid as much as $150 just to get here and cheer for their favourite boxers.

Finally, the boxers arrive.

Pacquiao, all smiles, is greeted with loud cheers. He tips the scale at 145 pounds.

Mayweather walks with his usual swag to some cheers and some boos, but he does not flinch one bit. He is 146 pounds.

During the stare down, Pacquiao smiles at Mayweather who keeps a serious face throughout. 

Mayweather says he’s ready for the fight of the century.

“It’s an unbelievable turnout. I’m glad that all the fans came here to support myself and support Manny. And now it’s time for us to go out theretomorrow and do what we do best,” says Mayweather.

Pacquiao says he’s not intimidated by Mayweather’s bigger size, and vows an exciting fight.

“I believe the fight must happen because the fans deserve it. These are all the fans that deserve the fight,” says Pacquiao.

On fight night, the arena is expected to be filled to the rafters too.

Now that they’ve hit the scales, both fighters are expected to rest and load up before the historic fight which is set to decide once and for all, who the best pound for pound fighter is of this generation.

Natashya Gutierrez, Rappler, Las Vegas. – Rappler.com