Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao spar on social media before big fight
Boxing legends Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao have taken their disputes to social media as the stars generate buzz ahead of their much-anticipated clash at the MGN Grand on 2 April.
The duo faced off at a press conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday (11 March) when Filipino Pacquiao postured he would break Mayweather's 47 bout unbeaten record, he said: "I like being an underdog. It gives me determination. But I am confident 101 per cent [I will win]."
Mayweather, who broke news of the much-anticipated fight on Shots photo-sharing app, said: "I have never wanted to win a fight so bad in my life. This is a fight the world can’t miss. I have a tough task in front of me. It’s always good to see the best fight the best.”
Mayweather has gained social media momentum from the support of Justin Bieber (pictured below) who boasts over 61.3m followers on Twitter - eclipsing Mayweather's 5.66m and Pacquiao's 1.7m online fans.
Getting the champ ready for the fight @floydmayweather #moneyteam
A photo posted by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) on
Social media has given boxing fans a behind the scenes look at the fighter's dramatically different regimes - and personalities. On the one-hand, Pacquiao has been posting daily updates of his daily training regime on Instagram with videos supplemented with Bible quotes.
Just arrived here in LA excited to focus training for the May 2 fight, thank you Lord for the guidance and protection and you up hold me with your righteous right hand. A photo posted by Manny Pacquiao (@emmanuelpacquiao) on
Day 8 of my gym work out. To God be all the Glory. Thank you Lord. A video posted by Manny Pacquiao (@emmanuelpacquiao) on
Whereas Mayweather has been flaunting his cash, displaying a great deal of pre-fight confidence.
#BreadWinner A photo posted by Floyd Mayweather (@floydmayweather) on
www.themoneyteam.com A video posted by Floyd Mayweather (@floydmayweather) on
The social media narrative has helped immerse fans and extend the coverage beyond the timely constraints of the Pay-Per-View event. On Twitter, Pacquiao also shared the pair's pre-fight stand-off.
Face Off: http://t.co/cWOm71PNzJ #MayPac — Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) March 11, 2015I want to let people know there is God who can raise something from nothing. I owe everything to God. #MayPac
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) March 11, 2015
The fight, which has been in the works for the last six years, is expected to generate as much as £162m in revenue.
Tickets at the MGN Grand not expected to go on sale to the public as they will likely be acquired by VIP's and celebrities.