Everyone knew it was going to be a huge show, but the long awaited Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao super fight ended up surpassing even most expectations.
The pay-per-view shattered previous PPV records with 4.4 million buys for the welterweight championship bout. HBO and Showtime officials also said that the event generated well over $400 million in television revenue, another record.
The previous PPV record was 2.48 million buys, set by Mayweather in 2007 in a fight with boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya. The previous PPV revenue record was Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs. Floyd Mayweather in 2013, with over $150 million.
According to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, the event more than tripled the previous live gate record by bringing in over $72 million. The old record was $20 million for a Mayweather/Alvarez fight.
Mayweather said after his win that he’d relinquish his championships, and likely finish up his boxing career in September. Manny Pacquiao would go on to have shoulder surgery.