• Date: 2001-11-10 • Location: Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, USA • Referee: Marty Denkin • Judge: Ric Bays 54-58 • Judge: Marshall Walker 56-56 • Judge: Raul Caiz Sr 57-55 • International Boxing Federation Super Bantamweight Title (1st. defending of Pacquiao) • World Boxing Organization Super Bantamweight Title (1st. defending of Sanchez) • Time: 1:12 • Weights: 120.5 lbs (each)
The Main Attraction on the HBO Event taking place in San Francisco, Ca. was Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (26-0) vs Jesus Chavez (35-1). So here I was, seated approximately ten floor-rows back (row KK) due to a convenient ticket printing mix-up, able to see the sweat from George Foreman's ringside bald head as well as from the fighters, watching my first and only professional boxing event featuring two would-be hall of fame boxers early in their careers.
There were plenty of preliminary fights that were so, so. However, to be up close to any boxing ring during a fight is undisputedly one of the best experiences in sports. The anticipation leading up to the main event was edge of your seat can't wait. By the time the two main fighters entered the ring and introductions were made, the arena's atmosphere was simply off the charts. Definitely worth the price of admission.
It was the only time Pacquiao (33-2) and Mayweather would be on the same boxing card until they finally faced off against each other fourteen years later in 2015. That fight was also anti-climactic, with Mayweather displaying his defensive skills while applying what seemed like an avoid direct confrontation style. It was like watching the fox chase the hare and the hare's quickness was too much for the fox. Mayweather fans saw him as demonstrating the sweet science of boxing while Pacquiao fans labeled Mayweather a cowardly running chicken. It was not a good fight.
Now with both pretty much retired, they were scheduled to meet in 2026. However, the HBO event was postponed indefinitely due to legal disputes and financial gridlock surrounding Mayweather's camp. But that's okay, boxing fans aren't trying to see an old fox chase an older hare around the boxing ring, even in an exhibition match.
