Pacman and the Prince

23 February 2015 - 01:59 By ©The Sunday Telegraph
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CATCHWEIGHT: Manny Pacquiao plans to host Prince Harry at the big fight in Las Vegas
CATCHWEIGHT: Manny Pacquiao plans to host Prince Harry at the big fight in Las Vegas
Image: INSTAGRAM

Manny Pacquiao struck the first verbal blow yesterday morning in the build-up to the $250-million megafight with Floyd Mayweather by saying that he had signed the contract before his American rival did.

His camp also revealed that Prince Harry, who hosted Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee at Buckingham Palace for two days last month, will be invited to be at the ringside in Las Vegas as a VIP guest of the Filipino fighter.

And in another development, there are also plans being discussed to take the two fighters on a media tour soon, and that the tour could also include a stopover in London.

The respective teams are yet to finalise the media tour, but it is expected to visit a number of international cities.

Pacquiao signed the contract on February 13.

He took to his Instagram account at the weekend to show his portion of the signed deal, with Mayweather's section blank.

"I'm not lying, I signed first," insisted the Filipino congressman.

"This is what I'm talking about, I'm just explaining to the fans and to prove I am not lying," he wrote.

Mayweather wasted no time in responding by insisting that he had signed the contract for the sport's biggest fight "as soon as I saw it".

"I am glad my decision to meet with Manny and discuss making this fight happen helped get the deal done," said the unbeaten American.

"Giving the fans what they want to see is always my main focus. This will be the biggest event in the history of the sport.

"Boxing fans and sports fans around the world will witness greatness on May 2.

"I am the best ever, and this fight will be another opportunity to showcase my skills and do what I do best, which is to win.

"Manny is going to try to do what 47 before him failed to do, but he won't be successful. He will be number 48," he said.

Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's trainer, in aiming a dig at Mayweather for making the world wait for a week, said: "Floyd should enjoy being the A-side while he can because on May 2 Manny is going to put him on his backside."

Said Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter: "It's going to be a great fight. We are confident our fighter, Manny Pacquiao, will emerge victorious."

The TV production will be split between Showtime - with whom Mayweather has a deal - and HBO/Time Warner - to which Pacquiao is signed.

HBO/Time Warner sports president Ken Hershman said: "Fight fans around the world have been clamouring for them to face each other.

"Now, in what will be the biggest boxing event of all time, fight fans have been granted their wish.

"May 2 will be a signature moment for the sport."

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