Las Vegas, Nevada: The boxing world witnessed another record breaking event on Friday afternoon (Saturday morning UAE time) when undefeated American boxing icon Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao hit the scales for their official weigh-in ahead of their mega bout on May 2 (May 3 UAE time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
The pre-fight formality saw the biggest crowd ever for a boxing weigh-in, and when Mayweather and Pacquiao came face-to-face for the cameras, the crowd erupted in wild cheers.
Some 11,500 fans of different nationalities created a festive mood inside the arena.
Many of those inside the venue had to buy tickets sold at $10 (Dh36.73) each, which was also a first for a boxing weigh-in. The money raised will be given to charities the two fighters have chosen.
Based on the fans’ cheers, the underdog Pacquiao was the clear crowd favourite.
Pacquiao hit the scales first, weighing in at 145 pounds (65.8kg), two under the welterweight division limit. While Mayweather hit the 146-pound mark (66.2kg) for the fight that will unify their three welterweight world titles.
After the two boxers weighed-in, Mayweather and Pacquiao came face-to-face for a long staredown as the crowd went wild.
Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs) appeared more focused at the weigh-in, while the smiling Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs) looked more relaxed and confident.
In an interview right after the weigh-in Mayweather acknowledged his father Floyd Sr. "My frame of mind is to listen to this man right here, my father because without this man I wouldn't be where I am today,” Mayweather said.
"I'm ready. I'm ready to fight. This is an unbelievable turnout. Now it's time to go out there and do what we do best,” he added.
Pacquiao, beaming with a broad smile, gave credit to his fans. "The fans deserve this," said Pacquiao. "This is a great, great responsibility. The fans deserve a good fight. Fans of Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao, they deserve a good fight.”
Asked about fighting the bigger Mayweather, Pacquiao said: "I've been fighting bigger guys. It doesn't bother me."
