The much anticipated, long overdue match-up between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao has featured multiple narratives during the course of its build-up, and has been explored from virtually every conceivable angle. But one recurring theme that stands out more than most is the idea that this is the fight that truly cements the legacy of two fighters. In the eyes of many observers, the victor will have established himself as not only the best fighter of his generation, but will have ascended to the pantheon of greatness occupied by only a few select individuals. On the other hand a defeat, depending on its nature, could harm the other fighter’s legacy beyond any hope of repair.

In any fight, there are only two outcomes; it can end via stoppage or it can end having gone the full course and require the judges’ decision.

Yet within this, there is so much that can happen. The ebb-and-flow of the contest can change based on a single power punch, stamina, the ability to gauge and more, all of which usually make predicting a definitive ending as hard as attaining one.

We are only hours away from an event that will call upon the beliefs of all. The sheer magnitude of this occasion is greater than any other, with revenue set to north of $400M. There are only few who would dare deny its significance beyond boxing’s borders. Even the intensity of the weigh in offered opportunity for the champions to display their standing to a paying audience. There has been no need for perpetual slander the demand has prevailed against all obstacles to this battle.

A man of strong opinion, markets himself as the best ever. Polarising the public even his own fans into great disagreement. His detractors do not dislike him, they hate him. There is no neutrality when it comes to Floyd “Money” Mayweather. His lifestyle, success and self-promotion have bred a contingent of admirers and critics. Attention has been diverted from his exploits in the ring to denunciations outside of the ring. He is no angel, nor is he in the running for a Nobel Peace Prize but he is human. There are moments which have cast dark clouds on his reputation but have never soiled his ability and achievements in the ring.

A roaring typhoon has been brewing from the far east and ripped sheer devastation across 8 divisions. Grown men who dared to stand their ground were found lacking while others succumbed to the beatings terror administered to their dire ways. Manny Pacquiao is not an ordinary man, achieving success in politics and business. Manny Pacquiao is not an ordinary fighter, feared by those who have engaged him in duel, respected and decorated by those who have borne witness to his incredible feats. He is certainly a man of diversified interest and accomplishments.

Undefeated American welterweight and WBA (reg) champion Keith Thurman has spoken to iFLtv in Las Vegas ahead of tonight’s massive showdown to talk about the contest and his own career.

Age is the biggest prejudice in all of professional sports. It is commonly accepted that once an athlete reached a certain age his or her performance begins to decline as it manifests in how the body reacts to the rigors of competition and how it recuperates from the sport’s grueling physical demands. This is perhaps true for the general mold of athletes, but as in any generally accepted truth in life there are always exceptions to that rule.