By Kristofer Williams Sr. A few days ago, Ring’s #2 Pound-for-Pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr reportedly topped the Forbes List of highest paid athletes, raking in $85 million from two fights (May 2011 – May 2012). Meanwhile, Ring’s #2 Pound-for-Pound king Manny Pacquiao was number two on the Forbes list, making a reported $62 million from his last two fights as well (June 2011 – June 2012).
But what does this all mean?
Indeed, Floyd is arguably the most polarizing figure in all of sports. You either love him or hate him. He is, without a doubt, the antagonist in this story. A similar sentiment (to a much lesser degree) can be felt for Manny Pacquiao, but it is this writer’s opinion that fans around the world only hate on Pacquiao because they can’t stand Pacquiao’s fans, also known as “Pactards,” who will go to great lengths to defend their Filipino idol.
Mayweather has the leg up on Pacquiao when it comes to earnings because he maximizes his paycheck by being his own promoter. He covers his own costs, pays his opponents’ purses, and collects all of the revenue generated from sponsorships, PPV earnings, as well as ticket sales. Understandably so, Mayweather has the leverage over Pacquiao because first and foremost he is an American who fights on American soil.
Pacquiao, on the other hand, is a foreigner who generates his earnings fighting in a foreign country. A large part of the reason why Pacquiao needs the help of Bob Arum is because Pacquiao is a Congressman in the Philippines and has a lot more duties to his country than Floyd has for America. Therefore it is common sense to realize that Pacquiao wouldn’t have the time of day to tend to promoting responsibilities and business dealings in America when he spends roughly 80 – 85% of the year in the Philippines, although most fans believe that Pacquiao should go on his own in order to make more money and eventually land a fight with Mayweather.
It is also this writer’s opinion that if Manny promoted himself and were his own boss, he’d make just as much, if not more, than Floyd. It is a fact that Pacquiao is more popular than any other boxer on a global scale. If PPV numbers were accounted for worldwide, it wouldn’t even be close. Whenever Pacquiao has a fight, time stops in the Philippines – it’s akin to a national holiday and there is absolutely no violence in a country rampant with daily bloodshed and carnage.
Proof of Pacquiao’s global appeal is seen through Pacquiao’s many endorsements deals. Hennessy, Nike, Hughlet Packard, and Monster Energy are all global brands with corporate offices all over the world. EA Sports is one of the largest video game production houses in the United States. Street State Produce is the largest produce manufacturer in America. All of these companies have chosen Manny over Floyd as their spokesperson. On a side note, the only endorsement deal Floyd had was with Reebok and Reebok decided not to renew his deal in 2010 even though Floyd still rocks the ‘bok to this day.
Yes, Floyd is the highest paid athlete in sports. Congratulations.
And yes, Floyd every now and then gives to charity. Uncle Sam is proud. Go ahead and tell your accountant to write it off.
Sure, Floyd loves to tell the world about his winnings in sports betting but does he tell us about the times he doesn’t win? No he doesn’t, because I’m 100% positive he wouldn’t be too proud to brag about losing two hundred grand in a moment’s notice.
And yes, Floyd absolutely loves to boast about his riches and even goes out of his way to flaunt his mansion to American soldiers overseas. I’m not so sure anyone can be proud of that.
In sum, what good is all your money when you fail to gain worldwide respect as a professional athlete? Key word: Professional. How can you say you’re a bonafide role model to the youth of the world when people only respect you for your boxing skills but not your professional character?
The only thing Floyd can be proud of is that he can say he makes more money than Pacquiao. Obviously, it’s more than enough for Floyd.
The difference between Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao is Manny chooses to make a global difference in influencing people of all ages to make a change for the better. While Manny is an advocate for political, socio-economic, educational, and cultural change, Floyd is a campaigner for everyone to “take the test.” When it comes to the grand scheme of things, the differences between Manny and Floyd speak volumes. And this is why Manny, not Floyd, is the one being compared to the great Muhammad Ali. It’s about building a lasting legacy to the people of the world. It’s about transcending generations and cultures. Ali did it. So did Michael Jordan. Pacquiao is doing the same today. And what Floyd will never understand and comprehend is that no amount of money can ever replace what Pacquiao has meant to sports, society, and culture.
So let’s be honest here. What good is your money when you don’t get the same amount of admiration and reverence worldwide as someone who makes almost 50% less than you?
Only in America can Floyd Mayweather live his dream. Anywhere on Earth Manny Pacquiao walks on turns into gold.
Admire them both as much as you can. Hate them both equally. Because if you don’t, they’ll both be gone before you know it.
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