HBO To Distribute Mayweather-Cotto PPV Event

May 5 Fight First Major 2012 PPV Boxing Event

by R. Thomas Umstead -- Multichannel News, 2/16/2012 5:06:34 PM

HBO has secured distribution rights to the May 5 Floyd Mayweather-Miguel Cotto pay-per-view boxing event, the pay TV service announced Thursday.

The fight, which will take place in Las Vegas, will be the first major PPV boxing event of the year pitting undefeated Mayweather against super welterweight champion Cotto. Mayweather last fought on PPV in September, winning a controversial knockout over Victor Ortiz . The fight, which retailed at a suggested price of $59.95, drew 1.25 million PPV revenue and more than $78 million.

Cotto's last PPV appearance was in December when he avenged a prior loss to Antonio Margarito with a 10th round stoppage.

HBO is also in discussions with Top Rank to distribute the June 9 Manny Pacquiao-Tim Bradley Jr. welterweight championship fight.