Given the fact that Mayweather regularly makes over one million for his fights and that his previous bout with Puerto Rican star Miguel Cotto made it to number six on the all-time list of events, the purchase rate will be a surprise to many who pushed the boat out to bring him to the network.
Mayweather, 36, is set to make upwards of $200million for his exploits at Showtime and has now drafted in the biggest name out there (barring Manny Pacquiao) in Saul Alvarez for his second outing after the disappointment of the Guerrero clash.
Initially Mayweather had said that he would remain at 147lbs upon his release from prison, which had followed the American announcing that he would never fight at a catchweight, both decisions which ‘Money’ has now reversed, with the latest PPV figures possibly a major factor. 22 year-old WBC champion Alvarez is undoubtedly the marquee name for Mayweather, even thought moving up the weight divisions once again was not in the double title holder’s retirement plan when the deal was initially struck.
‘Canelo’ poses a huge threat to Mayweather on September 14, more so than many of the recent opponents that have failed to dethrone the world number one and has the standout 44-0-1 record to make the encounter a huge sell.
Whether the 152lbs contest can rival the projected 1.5million sales of the Mayweather v Cotto fight in 2012 will only come to light in the aftermath, although Showtime are sure to step up promotion of this battle in order to avoid a repeat of last time out.
