Ahead of Floyd Mayweather’s clash with UFC champion Conor McGregor, interest was so high that the anticipated pay-per-view showdown was already projected for 5 million buys, breaking the record previously set for Mayweather’s bout against rival Manny Pacquiao in 2015 at 4.6 million. Reports are scarce, but indications are that Mayweather/McGregor will not only meet its projections, but exceed them as it many near over 6 million buys.
The epic event was two years in the making featuring the most boisterous and well known athletes from both sports, and unlike Mayweather/Pacquiao, this card was one that delivered in a big way from the highly-publicized press tour up until the fight itself. Mayweather/McGregor’s demand was so high that cable and satellite companies were unable to deal with the heavy demands causing the main event to be delayed until the networks could get things back together.
While official numbers are yet to be released and the figures above came from UFC figurehead Dana White, this wasn’t just the biggest fight in the history of boxing but very possibly the biggest sporting event of the millennium which will stand the test of time for many years. While Mayweather/McGregor was a circus act to some, everybody loves a well put together show that can bring a tremendous amount of people together.
The long term ramifications of the mega fight are yet to be seen as is the official numbers, but there’s no doubt that August 26 will remain a day forever remembered in sports history.
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