Report: Glitch made MGM Grand look sold out for Mayweather-Pacquiao
UPDATE:USA Today later reported that a "computer glitch made it appear the host MGM Grand was sold out for May 1 and May 2" minutes after the announcement that Floyd Mayweather would fight Manny Pacquiao. A hotel spokesperson reportedly told the paper that the MGM Grand was not close to being sold out.
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In the wake of confirmation that Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao would have their long-awaited fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 2, the hotel reportedly sold out in just 15 minutes, according to USA Today.
The MGM Grand has a capacity of about 17,000, depending on the arena's configuration. Thousands of spectators are likely to travel to Las Vegas during the weekend to view the fight at various venues.
Speculation about a fight has existed for several years, with several developments occurring at the beginning of this year.
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As it appeared more likely the two would square off, rates at the hotel rose steadily, according to USA Today. On Thursday, rates were as high as $615 per night for May 1 and May 2, one of the more popular weekends of the year.
Mayweather and Pacquiao are considered by many to be the two best fighters of their generation. After the announcement, Mayweather was named the favorite at -295, while Pacquiao's odds were put at +230, according to Sportsbook.
No official details of the fight contract have been release, but reports indicate that the prize could be as high as $250 million. According to SI's Chris Mannix, Jim Lampley, Al Bernstein and Roy Stein will call the fight.
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Mayweather, 37, beat Marco Maidana in September, improving his record to 47-0 with 26 KOs. Pacquiao, 36, has a 57-5-2 record with 38 KOs after defeating Chris Algieri in November.
- Christopher Woody
