by Hans Olson
For weeks, we’ve heard speculation as it relates to the numbers that “Star Power: Mayweather/Ortiz” did.
Today, all speculation ended.
Photo: Tom Hogan/Golden Boy
The super-fight between boxing’s biggest star, Floyd Mayweather and young gun Victor Ortiz generated 1.25 million PPV buys and $78.44 million in domestic PPV revenue according to Golden Boy Promotions.
With the 1.25 million buys, Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz’ clash made history as it tied for third place among non-heavyweight PPVs. The bout, which ended in a blistering knockout from Mayweather as Ortiz broke boxing’s golden rule of “protect yourself at all times,” earned Floyd his third consecutive PPV appearance that exceeded the one million buy mark.
Mayweather was thrilled with the numbers, and rightfully so.
“My motto is ‘hard work and dedication’ and I have shown this throughout my entire career, which has allowed me to go out and perform each time I step in the ring,” said Mayweather in Golden Boy’s press release. “I give the fans everything I have with the best competition and exciting fights. I must be doing something right as they keep buying my fights and I appreciate their tremendous support. It feels good to be able to generate such a great interest in the sport.”
Generate interest he did.
More so than any active fighter today, Mayweather—love him or hate him—is the one name that transcends the sport of boxing beyond your average hardcore fight fan.
The sports world was abuzz after the fight.
People are still talking about the fight.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Victor Ortiz has become an instant classic in all of its controversial glory. It’s this generation’s “no mas,” or “fan man” fight.
Not that Floyd’s previous showings disappointed.
Floyd’s 2007 “fight to save boxing” against Oscar De La Hoya set the all-time record for PPV with 2.45 million buys. Against “Sugar” Shane Mosley in 2010, Floyd’s presence helped to sell 1.4 million buys.
One can only imagine the big business a megafight with boxing’s #2 fighter in the world, Manny Pacquiao could do.
Pacquiao has consistently done big business since his destruction of Oscar De La Hoya in December 2008. Although not quite the star in America that Floyd is, Manny Pacqauio’s worldwide appeal would certainly add more money and financial intrigue than any other fighter active in or around Floyd’s weigh-class.
Let’s hope Manny Pacqauio agrees to random USADA drug testing, and Floyd accepts the rest of the terms of the deal, so we can finally get the fight the world wants to see.
Until then, Floyd will have to continue to make and break records, both inside the ring, and at the box office.
Boxing Insider’s Hans Olson can be reached at [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter @hansolson
