First Stop: Beverly Hills

Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley kicked off their media tour today in Beverly Hills, California. The multiple titlist/Congressman and the Champion will face each other on May 7 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The Top Rank promotion has already received global attention as the two fierce warriors will go toe-to-toe for the WBO Welterweight title.

So what was it like at today’s mega press conference, the first leg of their “Coast-to-Coast” media tour that will take Team Pacquiao and Team Mosley through Vegas, New York and Washington DC?

It was a standing room only crowd with an exciting buzz floating in the air and all eyes on the two prizefighters, of course. The cameras never stopped clicking as the two sluggers took to the podium, flanked by their respective camps.

This fight is certainly fan friendly. Already making a difference in the anticipated brawl is the fact that the battle will be airing on SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View with “Fight Camp 360º” episodes broadcast on “free” TV on CBS beginning April 2.

This L.A. stop was solely for the media, but the next two news conferences (Las Vegas on February 12 and New York on Valentine’s Day) will be open to the public. Bob Arum announced that fans will even be able to ask the fighters questions at this Saturday’s event. This boxing superstar tour will make its last appearance in Washington DC on February 15.

Feast your eyes on some fun snapshots from the first stop of the Pacman-“Sugar” Shane Road Show!

During the luncheon there was time for a special gift to be given to Hall of Fame promoter Arum. A large framed photo of his favorite fighter and trainer by photographer Miguel Salazar was presented to the Top Rank CEO. Coach Freddie Roach and his protégé smiled broadly at seeing Arum receive the color portrait of the world-famous duo.

In the opposite corner, Shane Mosley Jr. and the whole “Sugar” camp from Big Bear came out to show their support too. Shane Jr. is also a boxer and was with his fellow sparring partners, and his grandfather, trainer Jack Mosley.

While tickets may be a tough commodity with the masses snatching up tickets like hotcakes, fans passionate for the sweet science will at least be able to catch some of the pre-fight action on public TV and be able to get some collectible fight merchandise in person and online too. Right outside the Rodeo Ballroom, there was an unveiling of the official Pacquiao-Mosley tour T-shirts that is now available for all the fans worldwide; merchandise stations will be featured in the three remaining cities as well.

David Goldfarb, “Merchandiser Extraordinaire,” Kyle and David showcased the special shirts touting the marquee matchup’s road trip. Goldfarb, who began merchandising 17 years ago for an Oscar De La Hoya bout, tells me there will be a huge assortment of brand new souvenirs for the fight including both low end and higher end items that will appeal to all fans. I gotta say, I have always loved the fight shirts but my second personal favorite is those boxing bobbleheads!

Besides the reveal of the black tour shirt, there was also an unveiling of a longer ‘do from Manny. The Filipino icon surprised the packed venue with his new side-swept hairstyle, which many said resembled teen heartthrob’s Justin Bieber’s (“Baby, baby, baby, oh!”) famous head of hair. Hollywood is located just around the corner. So besides movie star, politician and boxer, will it be Manny the Rock Star? It’s quite viable as Pacquiao, himself, has been known to pick up a mic and croon a few tunes as well.

But before he hits the stage to duet with Will Ferrell again, the southpaw must first lace up and tackle “Sugar” Shane head on.

With just a little over 12 weeks leading up to the welterweight war, all attention will remain focused on the hard-hitting pair.

Can you say, “Baby, baby, baby, oh!”

Let the tour begin.

For more info: www.mgmgrand.com

Photos by Michele Chong & Raymond Rodriguez