It appears the reports of boxing's death are greatly exaggerated. "Through the roof. I'm hearing through the roof. I don't want to announce anything. When I announce it, I want to be able to fully stand behind it. It's big, very big," stated Golen Boy CEO Richard Schaefer as he hinted to Michael Rosenthal of Ringtv.com that the number of pay-per-view buys for last weekend's Mayweather vs. Marquez card will indeed exceed 1 million.
"UFC goes and announces that it had a $2.4 million gate. We did three times that; we just didn't send out a press release. It's Okay," continued Schaefer, "Dana White makes all these negative comments about Mayeather. Arum makes stupid statements, saying the only entertaining thing about Mayweather is when he shoots bullets outside the ring. It's just disrespectful of Floyd. We should be proud of an American who can generate $100 million in one night, not be on the guy's ass."
I have to admit, those numbers are extremely impressive for a man who last fought nearly two years ago. I'm sure detractors who argue that he's not a draw or exciting to watch are scratching their heads right now. The numbers don't lie though. Love him or hate him, people want to watch Floyd Mayweather Jr. No official word out yet on the pay-per-view numbers of UFC 103, which aired on the same night as Mayweather's bout. Seeing as how I haven't received a press release about it, however, I'm guessing it didn't do so hot (350,000 maybe...just a guess though). This surely means that Mayweather, having just been in the biggest fight of the year, will demand the bigger purse over anyone, including Manny Pacquiao, when it comes time to sit down at the negotiating table...unless, of course, Pacquiao can do better numbers on November 14th when he faces Miguel Cotto. I can't wait to find out.
Speaking of press releases, what's up with the Kimbo Slice press release we put up the other day? I mean, really? They actually sent out a press releases to announce Kimbo's fight with Roy Nelson on the next episode of TUF? All that smack Dana White talked about Gary Shaw and Kimbo in the past and now he's got the whole damn show centered around the YouTube sensation? That's just crazy. But you know what? You will all tune in...oh yes...you will...and sadly, so will I. We just can't help it. Yep, just like Floyd, love him or hate him, we'll watch him. Are you not entertained? The numbers don't lie!
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