Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. may be famously nicknamed “Money,” but his nemesis Manny Pacquiao could wear that moniker just as snuggly, especially after recently scoring a $12.5 million Beverly Hills mansion formerly owned by music mogul Sean "P. Diddy" Combs.
The Filipino pugilist and politician is admittedly capitalizing on his upcoming, highly anticipated May 2nd welterweight championship fight versus Mayweather, widely considered the biggest title fight in two decades and likely the most profitable pay-per-view event ever—potentially grossing $400 million, according to ESPN.
Then again, Pacquiao (real nickname, “Pac-Man”) has made an estimated $300 million-plus in his career, and already has a current net worth of at least $135 million. So price wasn't an issue. Just in case, he threw in four fight tickets to close the deal on the home, according to USA Today.
"No doubt [the tickets] helped," listing agent Elsa Nelson told USA Today's Martin Rogers. "The sellers are great fans of boxing and of Manny, so it was a big deal." That's especially true when tickets are expected to range from four to six figures.
Pacquiao TKO'd two other bidders for the guard-gated mansion at 12055 Summit Circle. His new home, like his next championship opponent, is a considerable upgrade from the 4,273-square-foot, five-bedroom Hancock Park property he listed for $2.7 million in recent years. Pacquiao’s new seven bedroom, seven-and-a-half bathroom Beverly Hills estate covers 10,000-square feet with 24-hour security; a home theater (with surround sound, electric blinds and popcorn machine); and a breathtaking backyard with pristine pool, spa, fountains, built-in barbecue, fire pit, and patio seating with spectacular Los Angeles views—all adjacent to a landscaped Palm-tree slope for added privacy.
Built in 1998, the Mediterranean-style mansion features a gorgeous white-stoned exterior façade highlighted by six wrought-iron Juliette balconies and a large front courtyard anchored by a lighted central fountain. Inside boasts a two-level grand entrance with a majestic chandelier, winding staircase, and balcony. Modern interiors showcase open entertaining spaces with tall ceilings, extra-wide windows, a broadly-connected family/dining/kitchen areas with long central island, multiple sinks, granite countertops, extensive cabinetry, wet bar, and high-end appliances. A formal living room is enhanced with French doors and a crystal-laden fireplace. Meanwhile the master suite offers outdoor access, his-and-her closets, and a luxurious master bath with a spa tub and dual-headed shower.
Family man Pacquiao will have plenty of space for his wife and five kids in P. Diddy's (then Puff Daddy) former home, where he resided while dating singer-actress-dancer Jennifer Lopez (not counting recent rumors). Agent Nelson of Nelson Shelton & Associates sold the home to both Diddy and Pacquiao (and on two other occasions).
While the estate keeps changing hands, it’s now in good hands with Pacquiao, a world-famous boxer known for his impressive combination of his power and speed. Pacquiao is currently sparring and training at his trainer Freddie Roach's Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California. Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs), an eight-division world title holder, will face five-division world title holder Mayweather (47-0-0, 26 KOs) in a belt unification bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.