It’s this history that has some critics cringing from any show of support for the celebrated boxer – even if it involves cheering on his opponent.

“[I]n theory it should be a treat to throw down $99 and root like hell for Pacquiao to do to Floyd Mayweather what Mayweather’s done to so many women,” sports journalist Melissa Jacobs wrote for The Guardian. “But Mayweather’s not just someone who’s made a few mistakes. Boxing [sic] biggest star is so much worse than a sports villain. He’s a real villain.”

Olbermann is less circumspect: “You will support this excuse for a man?” he asked during an episode of his late-night program last week. “You will help him continue to behave as if his conduct is acceptable in the 21st century, or the 20th, or the 19th? I won’t. I regret this deeply.”