Mayweather vs Pacquiao: The ultimate guide to the "Fight of the Century"

Billed the “Fight of the Century”, the Mayweather vs Pacquiao bout is one of boxing’s most exciting spectacles in years. With two of the best fighters of a generation each boasting impressive records, it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top on May 2.

Read our guide to all there is to know.

The vital statistics

The major details

The date May 2, 2015. (UAE time May 3, 2015 at 5am).

The venue MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Las Vegas, USA.

The titles WBA, WBO, WBC, and The Ring titles are up for grabs (unified titles).

The history After Floyd Mayweather Jr. retired after beating Ricky Hatton in 2008, Manny Pacquiao was in the ascendency of superstardom. Pacquiao’s 2008 victory over Oscar de la Hoya was the match which put the Filipino on the sporting map in much of the western world.

Such public attention prompted Mayweather to come out of retirement. Several attempts to get the pair in the ring have tried and failed in recent years. In 2009, it was reported that Pacquiao had signed a contract to fight Mayweather in 2010, a report that was denied by the Filipino.

Further rumours of negotiation surfaced the following year, followed by a racist tirade by Mayweather towards Pacquiao. All the activity kept the prospect of the fight alive. However, it wasn’t until December 2014 when the fight was finally agreed. The official announcement that the fight was on occurred on February 20, 2015.

The fight details

The rounds There will be 12 scheduled rounds unless either man is knocked out beforehand.

The weight limit The fight is set at the Welterweight limit: 147lb (66.7kg).

The gloves Both men will wear 8oz gloves (0.22kg). Mayweather will wear his preferred Grant-made gloves. Pacquiao will wear red Cleto Reyes gloves.

The fight styles Mayweather adopts an orthodox boxing style. Usually it involves keeping the weaker foot in front of the stronger foot, is favoured by right-handed boxers, and is the most common stance in the sport. Pacquiao uses the less-conventional Southpaw style. He will have both his right foot and right hand further forward. He will fight with a right jab, left cross, and right rook. It is usually adopted by left-handed boxers.

The money The fight is excepted to earn US $400 million (Dh1.5 billion approximately), split 60/40 in Mayweather’s favour.

The billing Mayweather’s name will appear first in the billing and in all promotional material and media reports. He will also get first choice of ring corner and locker room. Pacquiao will walk to the ring first as well as be introduced first.

The drug test Neither man has failed a drugs test in their careers, but they have both agreed to an Olympic-style drugs test being carried out at random.

Additional details

The belt A brand new belt has been created just for this fight. It is a replica of the existing belt but featuring emeralds rather than gold. The faces of each of the fighters also feature.

The corner teams

And lastly… Mayweather’s mouthguard costs US $25,000 (Dh92,000) and includes gold flakes and diamond dust. Pacquiao, meanwhile, will be wearing a mouthguard featuring the colours of the Philippines flag.

Click here to learn where you can watch the “Fight of the Century”.