Him and Ortiz did 1.25 and him and Shane did 1.4 , this fight is much more touted
Your average person has never seen Canelo fight, aside from maybe the Mosley undercard, he's not as big a name as Mosley was. Cotto was a bigger name too. Betters are giving Canelo a good chance but it's still Floyd vs "credible opponent" to most people.
Not trying to knock Floyd here, it's just that 2 mil buys is unrealistic.
About boxing being dead, that was said back when Oscar was fighting Floyd too, "the last big fight". Floyd was a great fighter, arguably the best for years but wasn't a big PPV draw before that fight, but with that fight and HBO and himself promoting he became a big star and PPV draw. Pacquaio was recognized as great but didn't become a mainstream star and "event" fight guy until 08/09 either.
The point is, boxing can still make stars. If Canelo or any young fighter beats Floyd, he becomes a big star. If Floyd steps down, HBO can make a star out of a top P4P fighter with an exciting style. Boxing's not dying when Floyd/Pacquaio leave and MMA is not as hot as it was 3 or 4 years ago.