NOT everyone who occupies the boxing ring at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 2 will leave it millions richer. With Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao set to split a bounty of well over £130m, the referee will earn the comparatively light sum of £6,800 ($10,000).
Six men are currently in the running to officiate the Fight of the Century, with the favourites being Tony Weeks and Kenny Bayless, with Jay Nady, Robert Byrd, Russell Mora and Vic Draculich also being considered.
HOW THE SIX CONTENDERS COMPARE
Bayless has been the man in the middle for four of Mayweather’s last 10 fights (although he was accused of losing control of the most recent bout with wild Argentine Marcos Maidana), and six of Pacquiao’s and is understandably the front runner.
Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach is confident that whoever is chosen will allow the showdown to run smoothly and fairly.
“I know all of the referees, I know the good ones, I know the great ones,” he said. “I think they all respect me and Manny enough to give us a fair fight. That’s all I’m asking for. Whoever refs the fight, all I’m asking is please, give us a fair fight, and let the best man win, and I think they’ll do that.”
