Las Vegas--Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather comfortably made the weight for their world title showdown on Friday at a raucous weigh-in which underscored the frenzy of interest surrounding boxing's latest "Fight of the Century".
The key pre-fight ritual drew a stunning crowd of 11,500 to the MGM Grand Garden Arena, where the rivals will clash Saturday in a fight that has catapulted boxing into the public consciousness in a way that hasn't been seen for decades.
Tickets were sold at $10 apiece and some in attendance paid much more on the secondary market just for a chance to glimpse two of the most talented fighters of their generation step on the scale.
World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council champion Mayweather weighed in at 146 pounds (66.22 kg) -- one pound under the welterweight limit.
World Boxing Organization champion Pacquiao weighed in at 145 pounds.
"It is an unbelievable turnout," Mayweather said. "I am glad all the fans came out to support myself and support Manny."
While a relaxed-looking Pacquiao beamed at his followers, Mayweather kept his game-face on.
"My thing is to focus on what we've got to do tomorrow," Mayweather told the crowd. "I've dedicated myself to the sport of boxing for more than 20 years, and I'm ready."
The Filipino icon's fans made their presence felt, with loud chants and even a few boos for Mayweather.
Pacquiao's homeland is expected to grind to a halt when the fight airs on Sunday morning (local time) as the impoverished nation of 100 million cheers its "National Fist" in open-air screenings, cinemas, bars and homes.
For many Filipinos, the 36-year-old Pacquiao embodies their hopes of escaping the grinding poverty that affects one in four in the country.
AFP
