typhoon relief — was followed by a rousing rendition of the Philippine national anthem before Pacquiao appeared in beige jeans and an “MP” T-shirt.
Mayweather’s entrance at the MGM, in contrast, featured all the swagger that his fans love and critics denounce.
A hip-hop master of ceremonies and a glitzy university marching band kept the crowd entertained until Mayweather’s arrival at the MGM in a glistening black van emblazoned with a white “M” logo.
The crowd cheered as the video of the vehicle gliding to the curb played on a giant screen and Mayweather emerged.
Soon he was walking a short red carpet to the stage, pausing for a handful of hugs and selfies.
The brief appearance was done with all the smoothness expected from the highest paid sportsman in the world.
But in remarks to a select group of media after, Mayweather sounded as if he’s going into Saturday’s fight with a chip on his shoulder.
“I think the bar is always set higher for Floyd Mayweather,” he said. “It’s always set a little bit different than everybody else. If I didn’t show up to the grand arrival it would be front page.”
But Mayweather said he didn’t really get caught up in the theatrics of the event — or in the fantastic figures being thrown around as to what the fight will make in gate receipts, pay-per-view, sponsorship and merchandising.
“I’ve broken records before,” he said. “Are we going to do record-breaking numbers again? I believe so.”
That won’t change his mindset entering the bout.
“It’s just work,” said Mayweather, and he’s confident he’ll get the job done.
After a solid training camp, he doesn’t believe Pacquiao, the winner of world titles in an unprecedented eight weight divisions who owns a record of 57-5 with two drawn, will be the first to put a blemish on his record.
“I truly believe I’m the smarter fighter,” Mayweather said reiterating his oft-expressed belief that Pacquiao’s “reckless” style could land him in trouble.
Certainly he doesn’t believe that a hard-charging start by Pacquiao could be a path to victory for the underdog.
“I think everybody’s game plan is to come forward and throw a lot of punches,” he said of his opponents. “It hasn’t worked for 19 years — 47 fights it hasn’t worked.”