By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA—From all indications, the third fight against Mexican warrior Juan Manuel Marquez could end up as the biggest Manny Pacquiao fight in terms of pay-per-view buys.
With Top Rank Promotions pulling out all the stops to trumpet the fight, expectations are high that the November 12 bout in Las Vegas will exceed the 1.4 million PPV hits that Pacquiao’s duel against Shane Mosley registered last May.
“It has the potential to be the most watched Pacquiao fight on pay-per-view,” said Top Rank executive event producer Brad Jacobs Tuesday at the PSA Forum at the Shakey’s U.N. Avenue in Manila.
“Were looking to surpass but I can’t put any numbers to that. Our goal is to exceed the expectations – get to 1.4 million and go past it,” he said. “These are two great champions getting into the ring for the third time. And a lot of people think it’s even at this point. So we have this trilogy.”
The buildup to the fight is unprecedented for a Pacquiao fight with a promotional tour slated to kick off at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Saturday. The tour will also take the two fighters to New York, Los Angeles and Mexico next week.
“It’s going to be spectacular,” said Jacobs.
“We want to show the world how big this fight is. It’s a great fight to begin with. We just need the awareness factor worldwide.”
Solar Sports is joining forces with Top Rank and GMA-7 in putting up the star-studded cultural show on Saturday.
Tek Major of Solar Sports expects a crowd of at least 50,000 for the kickoff program, which will be highlighted by cultural presentations from both the Philippines and Mexico.
Pacquiao, 32, and Marquez, 38, fought to a controversial draw in their 126 lbs showdown in 2004. The rematch at 130 pounds in 2008 saw Pacquiao win via split decision.
“Marquez’s destiny is to fight Pacquiao,” Jacobs said. “Age and weight won’t matter so its going to be war.”
