Sponsors Offer PPV Rebates For Upcoming De La Hoya-Pacquiao Fight

Presenting Sponsors Of Fight Offering Customers PPV Rebates

Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer last week announced that several presenting sponsors of the December 6 Oscar De La Hoya-Manny Pacquiao fight will provide PPV rebates "to customers who purchase their products," according to Steve Carp of the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL. The fight, which is sold out, is being televised on HBO PPV for $54.95. Coca-Cola and Tecate beer will "offer mail-in rebate coupons worth $20 each toward the cost" of the PPV telecast, and Cazadores tequila will offer a $10 rebate. Schaefer: "With the help of these rebates, which we think is unprecedented in pay per view, more fans will be able to afford to see this great event." Carp noted rebate coupons "can be found on six-packs of Coke's Full Throttle energy drink and 18-packs of Tecate beer." Multiple coupons "can be combined." Schaefer said of the fight, "Even with the (troubled) economy, we're getting a great response" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 11/2). Meanwhile, DeWalt has inked a deal to become the official tool manufacturer of the fight. DeWalt has launched the “Knock Out” sweepstakes at select Home Depot stores to leverage the sponsorship. The grand prize package includes two tickets to the bout, airfare and hotel accommodations (DeWalt).

PUNCHING BACK: In San Antonio, John Whisler wrote under the header, "USA Boxing Looking Toward Future." USA Boxing CEO Jim Millman said the program, which was "placed on probation by the USOC in 2002 for mismanagement," should be off probation "in the next few months." USA Boxing has "streamlined its board of directors and recently signed a marketing deal" with De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions. Millman next year "hopes to establish a series of boxing combines where local talent can be identified" (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 11/2).