Boxing

ESPNers weigh in on what they’re looking forward to in run-up to #MayPac fight

SC LV
SportsCenter takes over the Las Vegas strip all week for Mayweather-Pacquiao coverage.

The biggest fight of a generation is nearly upon us and ESPN has it covered from all angles. ESPN’s week-long coverage from Las Vegas of the Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao prizefight began on Sunday with SportsCenter live from Las Vegas and will culminate with live post-fight coverage and reactions on SportsCenter immediately following the bout and into Sunday.

ESPN shows originating from Las Vegas this week include: SportsCenter, SportsNation, ESPN Radio’s The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Sirius XM’s Stephen A. Smith Show and more. In addition, a special edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates will air Thursday, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN.

Front Row caught up with several ESPN on-air personalities who will be in Las Vegas and asked them what they are most looking forward to.

Teddy Atlas, ESPN boxing analyst:
“I’m most looking forward to the weigh-in [live, Friday, 5 p.m., ESPN2] to gauge the excitement and true draw of the fight.”

Anchor Max Bretos (l) and Friday Night Fights analyst Teddy Atlas filming SportsCenter live from the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Anchor Max Bretos (l) and Friday Night Fights analyst Teddy Atlas on the SportsCenter set from the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Brian Campbell, ESPN.com boxing writer/analyst:
“I’m most looking forward to the spectacle of fight week in what this will represent: boxing at its very best. Mayweather-Pacquiao is that rare modern matchup that brings with it a Super Bowl or World Cup atmosphere. On an already jam-packed May 2, the eyes of the sporting world will be locked in on Las Vegas.”

Colin Cowherd, ESPN Radio host:
“I’m looking forward to being back where my career started. Seeing familiar places and faces while having a big fight to watch reminds me of some of the most exciting times of my career.”

Todd Grisham, ESPN Friday Night Fights studio host/anchor:
“Since I am hosting our Thursday Night fight card from The Palms on ESPN2, I better say that’s what I’m most looking forward to this week!”

Juan Manuel Marquez, ESPN Deportes boxing analyst:
“The fight week will be full of tension for the fighters and viewers. Mayweather and Pacquiao will want to be in the ring and the viewers will be waiting for Saturday to come.”

Mayweather-Pacquiao is that rare modern matchup that brings with it a Super Bowl or World Cup atmosphere. On an already jam-packed May 2, the eyes of the sporting world will be locked in on Las Vegas.
Brian Campbell, ESPN.com boxing writer/analyst

Bernardo Osuna, ESPN boxing reporter/ESPN Deportes commentator:
“I am eager to be a part of the biggest spectacle in boxing history. The atmosphere in Las Vegas will be like no event ever before. Once the fight ends, the buzz in Las Vegas and around the world will be driven by what happened in the ring between Mayweather and Pacquiao.”

Dan Rafael, ESPN.com senior boxing writer/analyst:
“I’m looking forward to having boxing front and center for the world because of this big fight. Las Vegas will be filled with fight fans, which is always fun to see. But I am most looking forward to a memorable fight.”

Jorge Eduardo Sánchez, ESPN Deportes commentator:
“Prior to the fight, I’m expecting a very exciting week, full of information, details and adrenaline. It will surely be an unforgettable week.”

Joe Tessitore, ESPN Friday Night Fights blow-by-blow commentator, in Las Vegas anchoring coverage for SportsCenter:
“I am most looking forward to soaking in the anticipation. It’s as old as time, and proven true, nothing creates breathless anticipation like the moments leading up to the fight. Finally we have it.”

Marcellus Wiley, SportsNation co-Host, ESPN Radio co-host:
“I’m most looking forward to the energy that jolts through your body when you see the fighters in their separate corners ready to get it on and that bell sounds, ‘Ding, Ding!’. . . Whoa! #pumped.”

Jen Cingari, Diane Lamb and Gabriela Nunez contributed to this post

Back to top button