Floyd/Oscar Sets PPV Record

We can debate whether the in-ring action lived up to the hype.

But monetarily speaking, regarding the May 5 PBF/Oscar showdown, there can be no debate.

HBO Sports reported on Wednesday that the fight generated a record-smashing 2.15 million pay-per-view buys and  $120 million in pay-per-view revenue.

The previous mark for PPV buys was set by Evander Holyfield/Mike Tyson in 1997, when the two heavies drew 1.99 million orders for their showdown, which featured flesh-tearing drama.

In 2002, money-counters rejoiced when Lennox Lewis/Mike Tyson amassed $106.9 million in buys.

Floyd and Oscar's demonstration of boxing's relevance garnered 1,225,000 buys from cable systems and 925,000 buys from satellite homes throughout the 50 states.

“De La Hoya vs. Mayweather was a record-setting event from the moment the fight was announced,” said Ross Greenburg, President of HBO Sports, in a release.  “We are delighted that sports fans recognized the greatness of these two future Hall of Famers and tuned in for their showdown.  It’s satisfying to see that boxing still connects with sports fans throughout the country and we are determined to continue to present high-profile fights that capture the public’s imagination.”

 The De La Hoya vs. Mayweather junior middleweight championship fight will be replayed this Saturday night, May 12 at 10:00 p.m. ET/ PT  & 9:00 p.m CT on HBO.

The rebroadcast will include a studio show hosted by Jim Lampley and Larry Merchant, HBO tells us, with new interviews of Mayweather and De La Hoya, plus highlights from the  “De La Hoya/Mayweather 24/7” reality series.

 The program will be replayed on HBO2 Sunday, May 13 at 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday, May 15 at 11:30 p.m.  Both times are ET/PT.