MACAU: Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will strap on his gloves on a Sunday morning when he takes on Brandon Rios in Macau, as promoters cash in on the lucrative US pay-per-view market.
In an almost unprecedented move, America’s top promoter Bob Arum announced yesterday that the November 24 fight will begin at 10 am, ensuring a prime-time Saturday night audience in America.
The unorthodox start time copies the strategy used back in 1975, when Muhammad Ali fought Joe Frazier in the legendary “Thrilla in Manila”, which kicked off at 10.45am.
“November 24 will be an historic occasion. It’s expected this event will reach more people than any event held in China, other than the Olympics,” said Arum, who is striving to penetrate the country of 1.3 billion potential fight fans.
“The fight will be live here at about 10 am on Sunday, which is 9 pm on Saturday night in New York, the usual time to start a pay-per-view show.”
Arum made the announcement at Macau’s Venetian resort-hotel, which will play host to the biggest bout in China’s history. AFP
