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In the run-up to the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight on May 2 (broadcast locally on the morning of May 3, Philippine time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, we take a look at three old ads that foreshadowed the “Fight of the Century.”
It may be recalled that the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight has been anticipated by boxing fans for a span of five years. During that time, some ad agencies spoofed the anticipated match-up, referencing Mayweather in subtle (or not-so-subtle) ways.
1. Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdog’s “Manny Pacute.” (2010)
The hotdog ad features kids playing Manny Pacute (obviously a reference to Pacman, complete with drawn-on moustache) and his team. There’s a little version of coach Freddie Roach and trainer Buboy Fernandez.
Near the end of the ad, another kid in a nearly-all-black ensemble comes along and Team Pacute is initially intimidated by his presence. It turns out the kid in black just wants to eat some hotdogs, too.
2. Datu Puti’s “Champion.” (2011)
The ad hawking vinegar and soy sauce has Pacquaio dramatizing a scenario from his younger days. Dionisia Pacquiao is also in the ad ordering Pacman to buy her the said condiments from the sario-sari store, which is watched over by a woman who bears a resemblance to Jinkee Pacquiao.
At the sari-sari store there’s a fake Freddie Roach. There is also, of course, a fake Floyd Mayweather Jr. who gets troublesome and Paquiao ends up knocking down and driving him away.
3. Foot Locker’s “Week of Greatness.” (2014)
The ad has Pacquiao overhearing a conversation between two other men in a boxing gym. They’re talking about Foot Locker’s “Week of Greatness” event, but Pacquiao mistakes the subject of their conversation to be about whether or not Mayweather would fight him.
There’s no stand-in for Mayweather and his name isn’t even mentioned in the ad, but Pacquiao is definitely referring to him with the line, “He’s going to fight me?”
