Despite the fact a fight between two boxers nearing 50 is unlikely to set the sporting world alight, the competitive aspect seems secondary to the product.
“[The first fight] generated unbelievable sums of money. The gate itself, the tickets, generated $72m,” Bunce says. “[But] it was a dreadful fight. It was a stinker.”
Mayweather, however, is a master promoter, Pacquiao is loved by millions – the build-up will be as much the offering as the fight night.
Netflix has over 200m households globally and the bout will take place at the Sphere in Las Vegas which can hold 20,000.
After what the UFC achieved visually with their event there in 2024, it could be a completely new kind of viewing experience for a boxing fight.
Netflix has offered a fresh approach to fights, blending a big-show American style broadcasting with big-name expert analysts and presenters and drawing in the entertaiment world.
And these are two legends of the sport reviving one of boxing’s most famous rivalries of the last 50 years.
The appetite, as proven by Paul and Netflix’s past success, is absolutely there.
“You wll naturally watch it,” Bunce says and Conlan agrees.
“It’s unwanted but then people will think, ‘it’s Pacquiao v Mayweather – of course I will watch’,” Conlan says.
“I would love Pacquiao to win,” he adds.
“If he did, they’ll probably do another one.”
