After months of speculation, the much anticipated fight between Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao is finally here.
But what are Canadians’ best options for viewing the bout?
Pacquiao and Mayweather, with respective records of 57-5-2 and 47-0, will face off for the World Boxing Council belt on Saturday at 9 p.m. at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev.
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Those who opt to watch the game at home can expect a hefty price tag of about $100, but struggling for a spot at the bar might save you some money – if you’re lucky enough to find a seat.
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Randi Vevang of Schanks Athletic Club sports bar in Calgary said the bar is taking the unprecedented step of offering up the fight for free to patrons, but like most bars, it’s not taking reservations.
“Oh, it’s going to be crazy. The phones have literally not stopped ringing. The day they announced the fight we started getting phone calls,” she said, adding that they’re also telling eager fans to line up before 7 p.m. at the latest or face a standing-room-only situation.
“I think it’ll fill in, people are usually pretty happy to be here – they’ll sit or stand anywhere.”
Oasis Pub in Halifax is offering the fight for $15 per person, but again there’s no hope for a reservation.
“We’re not doing reserve seating – it’s first come, first serve. So your chances are better the earlier you come,” said manager Danny Mullock, adding that he thinks the event will be standing-room-only by the time the fight is on.
“This is a huge fight, we haven’t seen a card like this in 20 years probably, since Tyson-Holyfield. Boxing has been kind of going downhill and hopefully this will rejuvenate the sport a little bit.”
For those in Vancouver, Red Card Sports Bar is offering a chance to view the fight for $20, but it’s fully booked for reservations and expects walk-ins as early as 4 p.m.
“I’m pretty sure it’s going to be hectic but that’s a good thing, we all love when it’s busy in here, it gets the atmosphere going so it’s a good thing rather than a hassle,” bartender Owen Duffy said.
“We’re playing it by ear, we have no idea who’s going to show up or at what time.”
The Dog’s Bollocks bar in Toronto is also expecting a large crowd, even with a cover charge of $20 at the door with no reservations ahead of time.
“We’ll be a full house, I think anywhere that’s showing it is going to be a full house,” said bartender Jesse Davids, adding that a fight like this will draw almost as big of a crowd as the Stanley Cup Finals or the Super Bowl.
If you do make it to a bar, you’re probably in for a long wait as the main event likely won’t start until after 11 p.m.
Nearly 4 million people are expected to order what’s being called the fight of the century on TV.
But if you’re quick on your feet, you can fight for a spot at one of many bars across the country.
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