After pulling Mike Tyson out of mothballs to combat Jake Paul, Netflix is once more dipping into boxing nostalgia for a rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquaio on September 19.
The duo final fought over a decade in the past in what was dubbed The Fight of the Century. It wasn’t. Mayweather outpointed Pacquiao pretty simply in a 12 spherical choice that showcased the previous’s defensive expertise. Now the fighters are 48 and 47 years outdated, respectively.
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The rematch is a savvy transfer for Netflix because it seems to place its stamp on the reside occasions area. While the combat itself possible received’t be a lot, the occasion itself needs to be one thing.
The first combat generated a file 4.6 million pay-per-view buys. The occasion additionally set a world-record reside gate of $72 million on the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
This time round, Netflix guarantees to make Mayweather-Pacquiao 2 a cultural occasion by streaming it reside globally to its 325+ million subscribers at no further value. (The streamer may be positive of file sub progress within the Philippines.)
What’s extra, in stead of the MGM Grand, the bout will happen at The Sphere. “The production will utilize the venue’s advanced technologies to provide fans with an immersive experience unlike any other in boxing history,” reads a Netflix launch.
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Pacquiao mentioned in a press release, “Floyd and I gave the world what remains the biggest fight in boxing history. The fans have waited long enough — they deserve this rematch, and it will be even bigger now that it will be streamed live globally on Netflix. I want Floyd to live with the one loss on his professional record and always remember who gave it to him. As always, I dedicate this fight to my fellow Filipinos around the world and to bringing glory to the Philippines.”
Mayweather, whose file is 50-0 was extra succinct. “I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result.”
Gabe Spitzer, Vice President of Sports at Netflix, mentioned, “Earlier in my career, I spent weeks in Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao’s training camps in Las Vegas and the Philippines. It was undeniable that they were the two hardest workers in boxing, and their wins and accolades were a product of that. Bringing this rematch to Netflix is a massive ‘full-circle’ moment. We’re thrilled to combine their storied rivalry with the immersive technology of Sphere to deliver a landmark sporting event to our members worldwide.”
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