Inside Mayweather vs. Pacquiao: TV Schedule and Preview for Episode 1
Brian Mazique@@UniqueMazique
Correspondent IIIApril 17, 2015
By now we're all drunk with hype for the upcoming Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao bout on May 2. Yet, every time we click on another associated link, like an overzealous drinker at happy hour, we keep asking the bartender for another.
The boxing community is about to get the shiniest, immaculately produced pieces of hype that the fight has seen since it was agreed upon.
The Showtime series dedicated to the build-up for the most celebrated fight in the last 25 years is about to begin. Inside Mayweather vs. Pacquiao debuts early Sunday morning at 12:30 a.m. ET, immediately following the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Andrzej Fonfara fight. Take a look at the trailer.
If you can't catch it on its first run, here's a look at the schedule for the entire series on demand and real-time airings.
| Inside Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Viewing Info | ||
| Episodes | Real-Time Airings | On Demand |
| 1 | April 19, Showtime (12:30 a.m.ET and Showtime Extreme 4:30 a.m.) Other times available on both channels until April 26. check Sho.com for details | April 19-May 22 |
| 2 | TBD | April 26-May 22 |
| 3 | TBD | April 30-May 22 |
| 4 | TBD | April 19-May 22 |
| Sho.com | ||
What to Expect
All Eyes on Me: The Floyd Edition
If the trailer is any indication, this opening episode is going to focus on the tremendous negotiating power Mayweather possesses as the ultimate A-side in boxing. You may hear that term a lot leading up to the bout.
For those who don't understand the lingo, "A side" refers to the fighter who holds the most leverage in the negotiation of terms for the fight. It's generally dictated by the fighter with the bigger name, popularity and the one who has the pay-per-view numbers to back up his claims.
In every case, this is Mayweather.
Money was able to get the fight on his terms because he's the undefeated fighter, and he's the man with the most impressive PPV numbers associated with his fights.
Because of all these things, Mayweather has all the pressure on him to win. I'd expect this episode to focus on that dynamic.
What Not to Expect
A Lot from Pacquiao
Showtime is Mayweather's network. While the two sides agreed to a dual PPV presentation, don't expect to see Pacquiao doing a lot of talking in this or any other episode of IMVP. If you're looking for sound bites from Pac-Man, you might want to check out Mayweather vs. Pacquiao At Last on HBO.
This entire build is functioning as a three-sided story that will culminate on May 2. IMVP is likely to be Money's side of the hype, while MVPAL will be geared more toward Pac-Man.
Finally, we'll find out which fighter is the truth when the talking ends on fight night.
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