Kellie Maloney is one of the biggest names in British boxing history. She has brokered some of the highest-grossing fights in the sport, including Lennox Lewis vs Mike Tyson, a testament to her international impact as a promoter and manager.
When booked for events, she regularly reflects upon the highs and lows of boxing, including the pinnacle fights that went down in the history books. Watch Kellie in action, below:
We caught up with Kellie Maloney, to hear her thoughts on the upcoming fight between Floyd Mayweather, Jr and Manny Pacquiao:
Q: Are you excited for the Mayweather vs Pacquiao fight?
“The Mayweather/Pacquiao fight will be the biggest in recent memory, but unfortunately I think it’s come five or six years too late.”
Q: Who is your favourite to win?
“I’m a big Pacquiao fan. His achievements in boxing are incredible – the fact he has managed to rise through the weight divisions and continue to outclass and knock out his opponents is phenomenal but he has suffered a couple of losses recently and I think he may be past his best.”
“Mayweather is desperate to beat Rocky Marciano’s record of 49 matches undefeated, and I think he has the edge over Pacquiao.”
Q: How much interest has the fight garnered?
“The amount of money in this fight unbelievable and it’s certainly the most talked-about in years. There’s a rematch clause built-in, which makes you wonder about the outcome of the fight and whether it matters as much as making sure there is a second to generate even more money.”
“The rumours have been circulating that Pacquiao needs the money - I’m pretty cynical when it comes to certain aspects of boxing.”
Q: What did it take to make this fight happen?
“I know from experience how long big fights take to make. It took nearly 18 months for me to make Lewis vs Holyfield which is just the way it is when promo camps get involved, and then there are egos to think about as well. It’s been agreed that Mayweather will take a 60% share of the purse which is one of the main reasons he has finally agreed.”
Q: What are your final thoughts on Mayweather vs Pacquiao?
“It’s been said that this match is between the last of boxing’s ‘superstars’, and I think it’s true. It does signal the end of a golden era and there’s no chance that any other fighters today could generate this sort of money.”
“As I’ve said, it’s probably come too late in their careers and there’s a strong possibility that this is Pacquiao’s last big fight, though it will certainly capture the public imagination.”
“Unfortunately, the price of the tickets is way beyond the average boxing fan which is a great shame. Boxing needs to find its next star, or it is in danger of losing some of the magic it has built up over the years.”
Book Kellie Maloney
With fantastic insight into the world of boxing, Kellie Maloney is the ideal choice for your next event. To book Kellie as a boxing speaker, call Champions Speaker today on 0207 1010 553 or fill out one of our online booking forms.