Mayweather vs Pacquiao: Kenny Bayless Named as Referee for May 2 Fight
Kenny Bayless, the man widely considered as the leading referee in the world, will be in charge of the richest fight of all time. He has been recently appointed referee for the fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas on May 2.
Bayless, a veteran of more than 100 title contests, has overseen five of Mayweather's bouts and has been present seven times with Pacquiao. Recently, he was in charge of Mayweather's battle against Marcos Maidana and Pacquiao's knockout by Juan Manuel Marquez. The 64-year-old Nevada resident was referee for both boxers' point victories over Shane Mosley.
"Kenny knows the pressure, stress and responsibility," the Nevada State Athletic Commission director Robert Bennett said to The Guardian. "He's efficient and effective and has proven to be successful over a number of years, working in Las Vegas and other parts of the world. He's one of the best referees in the world."
The NSAC has also appointed three American judges for the clash at the MGM Grand, namely Dave Moretti and Burt Clements of Nevada and Glenn Feldman of Connecticut.
According to Daily Mail, serious consideration was given to including a judge overseas, and John Keane, a British Board Class A- star official from Wellingborough, Northampton was thought to be the favorite.
Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach gave his backing to the appointment of Bayless.
"I think we have the best judges and Kenny Bayless is the best referee out there. I think he's going to give us a fair fight," said Roach.
Bayless will reportedly receive $25,000 for the night's work in May, while the judges will each receive $20,000. Meanwhile, Mayweather and Pacquiao are expected to earn $180 million and $120 million respectively on their May 2 fight.
