HBO Win Rights to Floyd Mayweather Jr Fight

HBO pay per view has agreed a deal to secure the broadcasting rights to Floyd Mayweather Jr’s comeback fight.

The six-time world champion is set to face welterweight title holder Victor Ortiz on September 17 in a contest that is being labelled as one of the fights of the year.

Golden Boy promoter Richard Schaefer said: “Mayweather is the biggest star, and Victor Ortiz is one of the most powerful guys in the sport. He knocks everybody down.”

The contest has been dubbed ‘Star Power’ in reference to Mayweather’s celebrity status and Ortiz’ powerful punching ability.

Schaefer added: “You have a star fighting a guy with great power. You have a guy in Mayweather who attracts star power. You go to a Mayweather fight and it’s a who’s who showing up. It’s ‘Star Power.'”

HBO have history with Mayweather, having broadcast all of his previous fights. The deal reportedly requires the network to use its sister stations to promote the contest. Therefore, in addition to the fight, HBO will be screening 24/7, a reality show which documents the build-up to major bouts, on HBO as well as an associated station.

HBO were reportedly determined to win the rights to this bout after failing to secure the broadcasting rights to Manny Pacquiao’s fight with Shane Mosley later this year, losing out to network rival Showtime.

Schaefer also confirmed his intention to include Mexican legend Erik Morales on the undercard. He said: “That would make it an even bigger event for the fans”.