Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather's clash could be legendary, says Eddie Hearn
Thursday 12 March 2015 19:25, UK
Matchroom Sport boxing promoter Eddie Hearn believes the fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather will be one of the greatest ever.
After months of trying to negotiate a deal, the two legends of the ring will finally meet in a welterweight clash at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 2.
Disputes over purse splits and blood testing had prevented the fight taking place before now, but Hearn still thinks it will be a momentous occasion in the Nevada desert.
“It’s a huge fight. When people were trying to make it, people felt it was four, five years too late but I don’t think so,” Hearn told Sky Sports News HQ.
“People have been waiting for this fight for a long time. Are they at their peak? It’s arguable, but probably not, but I don’t think it really matters.
“You saw the media attention that was around the first head-to-head. They are talking of revenues of around $400m for this fight.
“By the time the fight comes around, I think this fight will be one of, if not the biggest, fights of all time, I really do.
“This is a promoter’s dream but also a promoter’s nightmare. Putting these two together was definitely a difficult task. Not just the egos of the fighters but also making sure the broadcasters were happy.
“There was a lot of politics to overcome but it’s done and it’s great for boxing. These big fights can’t get made all the time but as long as we throw one in every few months, we give people hope the ones we want to see can get done.”
British boxer James DeGale is promoted by Hearn and he believes the 2008 Olympic champion will return from the USA a world champion as he prepares to face Andre Dirrell for the vacant IBF super-middleweight belt.
Hearn was unable to agree terms with Dirrell’s backers after it went to ‘purse bids’ but he is confident DeGale will enjoy success Stateside like a number of his British compatriots.
“He will pick up £1m for going over there and I think he will win,” added Hearn.
“We’ve seen Kell Brook go to America and beat Shawn Porter, we’ve seen Darren Barker travel to America and beat Daniel Gill.
“If you are good enough, you will win and it’s a very interesting fight between two very good 168-pounders.
“James DeGale has got the bit between his teeth, though, he fancies this. There’s something about travelling to America and picking up the glory out there.
“I think James DeGale will do the business.”
