Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao 2015: 'Money' To Earn Estimated $180M For Fight, Report Says

Floyd Mayweather Jr. will earn an estimated $180 million for his long-awaited fight in May against rival Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, according to a report. The undefeated 38-year-old boxer’s expected payout comes as a result of what analysts suggest will be the richest purse on boxing history.

Mayweather will receive a 60 percent split, compared to 40 percent for Pacquiao as per the two sides’ pre-fight negotiations. But Pacquiao will still receive an estimated $100 million for his participation in the fight, according to the Associated Press. “For whatever it’s worth, the buildup over these years has certainly enhanced the fight. Everybody knows about it now, even people who don’t follow boxing,” said promoter Bob Arum, who represents Pacquiao.

Other projected numbers for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight were staggering. Arum added the fight’s live gate from about 15,000 tickets could surpass $72 million, with tickets selling at between $1,500 and $7,500. Nevada’s for a single fight’s ticket sales was $20 million, achieved at Mayweather’s fight with Canelo Alvarez in 2013.

HBO and Showtime are amidst negotiations to jointly produce and air Mayweather’s fight against Pacquiao. The event’s pay-per-view price has yet to be determined, but initial estimates held it could approach $100. Consensus opinion holds that the fight will set a new record for pay-per-view sales, surpassing Mayweather’s 2007 fight with Oscar De La Hoya, which produced 2.4 million buys, according to ESPN.

Only 12 contracts in the history of America’s four major sports have surpassed Mayweather’s projected $180 million earning, accord to Yahoo Sports. And Mayweather will earn that purse for one fight, whereas none of the previous contracts were for less than seven years.