With the much-anticipated Fight of the Century to come at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on 2 May, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao faced the media tonight for the final press conference ahead of the weigh-in.
In what was the second occasion that the two men have held court in front of the worlds press following a March meeting in Los Angeles, everything was rather respectful and incredibly relaxed leading into the most lucrative boxing bout the world has ever seen.
After what felt like an eternity of various senior figures in sharp suits talking about their respective roles and bestowing thanks, Pacquiaos popular and reputable trainer Freddie Roach made a very brief speech wishing the best of luck to all concerned before the eight-division world champion himself got up to further enhance his likability with a typically statesmanlike address.
Anyone who was expecting his opponent to revert to any brash trash-talking or defiantly arrogant statements of intent were then left disappointed as Mayweather remained admirably cool and continued to toe the line with ease in contrast to some of his previous contests.
Hosting duties were shared by Top Rank chief Bob Arum and Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe and after it was all said and done and the customary staredown - notable for the grin spread across Pacquiaos face as Mayweather looked steely eyed and formidably serious - was over, each fighter gave a quick interview to camera with not a controversial word uttered.
While some are attracted to the rather unsavoury side of boxing and all the antics that go with it, the build-up to this contest evidently just does not need to be further enhanced by any over-the-top unpleasantness or crude comments.
Quite simply, the hype has long since taken care of itself and while there has certainly been the odd barb exchanged by both camps since the date was confirmed after so many years of quarreling, it just goes to show that if the reputation of both fighters is big enough then interest and sales will be high regardless of an apparent lack of exaggerated animosity.
