Brad Jacobs (center)
From zero to seven, Macau’s Cotai Arena has staged an array of high-profile boxing events that were expected to be authentic Las Vegas-like experiences. In less than two years, the city has grown into a globally recognized base for professional boxing, building up several Chinese boxers in the meantime.
The Times spoke with Brad Jacobs, event producer and matchmaker at Top Rank, ahead of the promoter’s eighth boxing event in Macau – the upcoming world title fight, Showdown At Sands, featuring China’s flag-bearer Zou Shiming.
Macau Daily Times – Can you tell us what your production team did in order to recreate the Vegas-like ambience at the Cotai Arena?
Brad Jacobs – Our goal was not only to match the big fight atmosphere in Las Vegas, but to create an in-arena experience that was second to none anywhere in the world. We brought in our world-class team of specialists [in lighting, audio and video]. Our overall vision was to create an exciting, entertaining and visually pleasing environment for our fans, and I feel very strongly that we have met and exceeded that goal.
MDT – Do you need to make adjustments to the show, in order to accommodate the Chinese and Asian audience?
BJ – Our objective is to entertain anyone who happens to be in the arena on a particular night, and, of course, our production staff will feature videos, music and lighting elements that cater to a local audience. For the two Manny Pacquiao events, we did add some more video elements to the presentation, since they were higher-profile events on a global basis.
MDT – What are the things that you look into when choosing fighters for a Macau card?
BJ – Although I haven’t been in the role of matchmaker for many years, I can tell you that the objective is to make the most entertaining fight for the fans as possible. This is a very difficult job and takes a keen eye for talent and experience. The formula is pretty much the same across the world, which is to feature local, regional or hometown boxers who the fans follow, and to put them in entertaining bouts that are also learning experiences for the fighters. Hopefully, the boxers are successful and move towards the top of the business, like Zou Shiming is doing by fighting for a world title on March 7.
MDT – It seems that Zou is not as convincing to Western fans as he is to his Chinese fan base. Why is that?
BJ – Boxing fans in general are very opinionated and have an intense interest in many up and coming prospects. They have seen Shiming on national television in the US [aired on HBO] for every one of his fights, so they are formulating opinions etc. It is unfair to compare Zou or [Ik] Yang to already experienced US or European pros who have had 30 to 40 fights. In actuality, Shiming – and, to a certain extent, Yang – have really come a very long way in a very short period of time. Fans globally will come to be big fans of any Chinese boxer who they feel is entertaining and skillful.
MDT – Some audience members have felt that the major boxers who have featured in those Macau events have tended to win their bouts without facing an adequate or equivalent opponent, which seems a pity for the production of Top Rank. What do you think?
BJ – There has to be a balance in the opposition with fighters who may not have the vast professional experience of some fighters who come from the US or other areas. It is a learning experience and, as you will see, the competition is stepping up rapidly for Shiming. To be fighting a world champion with more than double the amount of professional fights than he has is asking a lot of Shiming at this stage of his career.
MDT – Why did you choose Ruenroeng and Zou for the upcoming matchup? Some people have predicted Zou’s victory as ‘definite’. Do you agree?
BJ – There is nothing definite once the bell rings, especially in a world title fight, and specifically when the challenger has only six professional bouts under his belt. There are only four recognized world champions [IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO] in the Flyweight division; and [with] Amnat, as IBF World Champion, willing to fight the number-four contender Shiming in Macau; that’s the primary reason we made this match. They have an extensive background fighting each other in the amateur ranks, and Amnat holds a win over Shiming, so anyone who says that this is an easy fight [to pick] must not know their backgrounds and history.
MDT – Why did Top Rank choose Macau to put on Pacquiao’s ‘comeback’ bout, instead of nearby Singapore, or the Philippines?
BJ – Professional boxing in Macau is alive and well, solely based on two people: Ed Tracy, CEO of Sands China [Venetian], and Zou Shiming [Gold Medalist-China]. Mr Tracy recognized the potential popularity of Shiming as an attraction, and that the sport had great potential in Macau. (…) Ed has proven to be 100-percent right regarding the success of boxing in the region. Several incredible things have transpired over the last two years of Top Rank promoting events at The Venetian, but most notable has been the building of Shiming, Rex Tso of Hong Kong, KK Ng of Macau and others as local attractions that the fans want to follow. The other [incredible achievement] was to stage two monumental boxing events featuring superstar Manny Pacquiao, with those events starting at 8 o’clock in the morning and still selling out to a standing-room-only crowd each time. I don’t see this as Top Rank not choosing to go to the Philippines or Singapore or any other destination; rather, we found an incredible home with wonderful people in Macau, and the formula is working well here.
MDT – Boxing has always followed the money, which makes for a perfect combination with casinos. With Macau’s gaming revenue plunging, do you think that this decline will affect the boxing shows that take place here? Or do you think perhaps boxing can come to Macau’s rescue?
BJ – I think if anything, boxing will help, and maintain its success in Macau. In turn, we can help (…) The Venetian maintain its position in the industry in Macau. One of the major advantages that The Venetian has over the other properties in town is that they have a beautiful arena to which they bring significant and important events. Boxing happens to be one of those events that attracts a large audience who simultaneously like to take advantage of the world-class casino, spas and shopping that The Venetian has to offer. So, I feel strongly that Top Rank events will continue to work well as high-profile events for The Venetian to host.
MDT – Zou intends to shoot for both the WBA and WBO titles this year, provided that he wins this fight on March 7. Who are the candidates you have in mind for him next?
BJ – I prefer to focus on March 7, since it is such an important and tough match for Zou. In the back of our minds, we have certain strategies at work, but none of it happens unless Zou is successful on March 7. Let’s discuss the future when Zou is wearing that bright new shiny belt around his waist.
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