GMA-7, ABS-CBN, IBC-13, TV5 come together for free TV broadcast of Pacquiao-Mayweather fight

Published March 26, 2015 2:23pm

The four major broadcast networks in the Philippines will come together on May 3 to broadcast Manny Pacquiao's fight against Floyd Mayweather. This development was announced in a news conference on Thursday with representatives from GMA-7, ABS-CBN, IBC-13, and TV5 in attendance. "Maraming-maraming salamat sa GMA-7, ABS-CBN, IBC-13, TV5, and Solar Sports dahil sa pagkakaisa nila para maipalabas sa ating mga kababayan ang fight na ito," said Pacquiao, who credited Solar Entertainment, the rights holder to the fight, with making the development happen. GMA Executive Vice President Felipe S. Yalong, GMA Regional TV First Vice President Rikki O. Escudero, and Senior Vice President of Radio GMA Mike Enriquez represented the network in the event. "As in all Manny Pacquiao fights, GMA-7 is one with the Filipino nation praying for the victory of Manny," said GMA Network chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon in a message read by Yalong. "GMA Network recognizes the magnitude of this fight," added Gozon in the statement, which is why the network has waived its rights for exclusive coverage of the fight. Live updates will also be broadcast over radio dzBB stations nationwide, while pay-per-view access will be available via SkyCable and Cignal Digital TV.

"GMA Radio is once again proud to be a partner of Solar.... live and real-time in Las Vegas," said Enriquez, who noted the live radio updates provide a surge in the television of the broadcast of the fight. SM Cinemas will also be "dedicating" all its screens nationwide for live viewing of the match. SM also said it will be working with different cinema chains for live broadcast.