The Floyd Mayweather, Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao superfight has been a long time coming, and people around the world are expected to tune in for Saturday’s big fight. In Pacquiao’s home country of the Philippines, the fight should be heavily watched. However, due to power outages the country has been suffering, there is expected to be a power deficit during the big Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight. The solution? An electric company is stressing that citizens should turn off all major appliances.
We’re not talking just avoiding running dishwashers and various laundry appliances. The Filipino electric company Palawan Electric Cooperative has advised residents living in the area to shut off all of the big stuff that requires power. Which means residents should forget air conditioning. Oh, and, go ahead and unplug refrigerators, because fresh food isn’t important when there is one of the biggest fights of all-time on. Here’s the direct quote the power company's secretary Rante Ramos told ESPN on the topic.
If it is just for the Pacquiao fight, let us just leave electric fans and TVs on. We have waited so long for this, and now that it will happen ... it is unacceptable not to have the opportunity to watch it.
The electricity problem during the fight is a legitimate concern. In the area, the fight is scheduled for between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday. During that time, the power deficit is expected to be at least two megawatts in Palawan. Local malls, department store and hotels have already said they would use their own power generators during that time to help the cause. There are few athletes in the world as popular as Pacquiao, and if his home country missed his opportunity to knock out the polarizing Floyd Mayweather, fans would never let the electric company forget it. It's one thing for the TV/ lights to go out on a random Tuesday afternoon. It's another thing for it to happen right in the middle of the sporting event of the year. That's a story angry fight fans would tell their grandchildren, especially if Mayweather gets knocked out.
It might seem weird to ask people to shut off power for a sporting event, but this is no ordinary sporting event. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and there's a very good chance a high percentage of people will comply with the request.
The Floyd Mayweather/ Manny Pacquiao fight will air on HBO/ Showtime Pay Per View on Saturday May 2nd. If you're not interested in shelling out the $99 to watch it in your own home, chances are you'll be able to find the slugfest at a local sports bar. Just expect to pay a healthy cover or at least be subjected to a 2 drink minimum.
