Image source, Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao:, external Tonight's gear for the fight.

The eyes of the Philippines will be transfixed on their national hero.

Alex South
BBC Sport in Las Vegas

"For boxing fans this is like Christmas Day and there's great excitement to see what sort of fight they will get as a present. Will it be like unwrapping the Millennium Falcon, external or a pair of socks from Aunty Janet?"

Floyd Mayweather is in the MGM Grand. Elvis is in the building. Flanked by some of the biggest security guards you ever will see (I'm talking man mountains), he saunters through corridors in a black tracksuit with a white peak cap on his head.

As always, he is a walking advert for his 'The Money Team' brand. He looks past the television cameras, there are thoughts rolling through that mind behind those eyes.

What do you think? Fear? Nerves? Excitement? How heavy does an unbeaten 47 fight record weight on those swaggering shoulders?

Image source, Grant Smith

- Negotiations for this super fight began in 2009 with an even 50-50 split of money agreed only for Manny Pacquiao to turn down Floyd Mayweather's demand for random blood testing right up to the fight.

- In 2012, Pacquiao agreed to random blood testing but was offered just a flat $40m, a sum his camp rejected.

- With talks going well by January 2015, Pacquiao had a flight cancelled from Miami and attended a basketball game, not knowing Mayweather was in attendance. The pair spoke and in the early hours of the morning met at Pacquiao's hotel. Within weeks, Mayweather tweeted an image of the signed agreement.

That's the short version of events. Throw in some defeats for Pac Man, TV companies needing to work together, promoters arguing, lash the kitchen sink in there while you're at it and this fight was no easy deal.

BBC Radio 5 live have full commentary of tonight's fight from 03:30 BST and you can even stay in bed to listen to it. You can tune in on BBC iPlayer Radio, through the BBC Sport app on your smart phone or by visiting the BBC Radio 5 live website., external

So we want you to send us your pictures of how you're following the fight - tweet #bbcboxing, external.

Also let us know who you think will win and finally, tell us which sports star would you never want to get in a ring with and why?

Image source, Getty Images

I'll go for Roy Keane. Why? Because he's Roy Keane.

Tweet us on #bbcboxing or comment on the BBC Sport Facebook page., external

Image source, Getty Images

Former three-weight world champion Shane Mosley: "Floyd Mayweather is going to win the fight because of his intelligence and the way he moves in the ring. He has great movement where he can make it very difficult for Pacquiao to get shots off."

WBA super-middleweight champion Carl Froch: "Mayweather will put on a defensive masterclass, behind the shoulder, slipping and sliding, ducking and diving and not getting hit. He's a defensive genius, a magician in the ring. But Pacquiao should punch the shoulder, punch the arms, hit him round the back of the head, in the kidneys, take anything he can. I'm going for a close Mayweather points win."

Former middleweight and light-heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins: "There is no fighter in the last five years that Floyd Mayweather has fought that had the speed and hands that Pacquiao has. Mayweather will have to deal with that. I believe he will but it won't be easy."

A humble man tries to topple a showman. A man adored by his people attempts to upset an opponent who divides opinion in his own country.

This is a tale of contrast, brought together by hundreds of millions of dollars and public clamour.

Behind the eyes of both men thoughts turn over - an intricate plot of how to ensure the other's demise.

But planning the ending to this story and carrying it out are two very different tasks. Mayweather stands imperious, undefeated, a defensive freak in the sport who has bounced his way past great names.

Pacquiao knows the pain of defeat but has risen through boxing's weight divisions, showing is adaptability and durability alongside his ferocious speed.

So you didn't pay £94,000 for a ticket then?

Shame on you.

Image source, Getty Images

Fear not, this live text will build-up to the big one, commentate through every round, produce stats you'll impress your mates with and round-up all the quotes and reaction in the hours that follow.

If that isn't enough, BBC Radio 5 live - with award-winning commentator Mike Costello - will be live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas from 03:30 BST.

Anyone had a family member who barely acknowledges sport exists pipe up about Floyd Mayweather v Manny Pacquiao this week?

Yes, thought so.

Image source, Getty Images

The public demand for this bout has rained in like blows to a boxer trapped in a corner. Two men, 111 fights between them, world titles in a combined 11 weight categories and who, in the public's eyes at least, were always destined to meet.

Over the coming hours, the eyes of a watching world will be centred on one ring and 12 possible rounds.

Image source, Getty Images

The richest fight in boxing history, it's been billed as good versus evil, an unbeaten record against a fighter adored by a nation, three titles on the line, a showdown to define a generation.

The list of tag lines for this event runs as long as the Las Vegas strip.

But cast them all aside for a moment, even the men set to light up the ring have said this one is for the fans.

So enjoy it, you did wait six years after all...