Netizens ride onto Pacquiao-Mayweather pre-fight hype: From $300M gate receipt to Floyd’s friendly demeanor

Boxers Floyd Mayweather Jr., left, and Manny Pacquiao, of the Philippines, pose for photos after a news conference, Wednesday, March 11, 2015, in Los Angeles. AP

MANILA, Philippines – Boxing as big business did not escape the eye of independent journalist Emil Guillermo, who posted on Twitter: $300 million is the estimated gate for this fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The hashtags #PacMay, #PacquiaoMayweather lit up social media accounts of celebs, boxing enthusiasts and ordinary netizens.

“I can’t wait for on May 2, so excited” netizen @Marv said.

Some netizens noted Mayweather’s changed demeanor:

“Surprisingly, Mayweather was so humble during the press conference. Was he faking?” said 33Sambuang.

Netizen Anthony Daguno tweeted: “LOL pacquiao’s facial expression in that face off shows that he isn’t worried at all unlike that of mayweather’s.”

Internet user GuyWhoCares said: “He is trying to use what Mosley did—being friendly. Mayweather is hoping that Pacquiao will do the same—friendly during the fight. Manny will not bite. It’s a sure ploy by Mayweather camp.”

A certain IntendoPrinceps posted, “This is the best random advertising for the Philippines of all time.”

Netizen @openUn8ted rallied behind the Filipino boxer: “Win or lose, we are behind you @MannyPacquiao! U made them know who Pinoys are. We love you!”