Floyd Mayweather Jr retained his status as pound-for-pound king with a comfortable points victory over Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao had his moments in the fight, especially in round four when he rocked Mayweather, but the undefeated American controlled the majority of the contest and was deservedly given a unanimous verdict.
Scores of 118-110, 116-112 and 116-112 were justified, and the win sees Mayweather add the WBO welterweight title to the WBC and WBA belts that he already possessed.
Read Sports Mole's blow-by-blow coverage below to see how the action unfolded at the MGM Grand.
Hello, and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the Las Vegas showdown between Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao.
There are some things in life that you genuinely believe won't happen until you actually see it with your own eyes. A fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao is one of those things. This fight has been agreed since February 20 but a lot of people still didn't believe that it would happen. However, we are just two-and-a-half hours away from finally witnessing the two pound-for-pound kings of boxing finally stepping into the same ring.
It's an event that is expect to bring the world to a standstill. There has been over-hype about this bout. It probably doesn't justify the scandalous amount of money that is being generated but nevertheless, this is one of the most exciting nights in sport for years.
I'm sure that you are all ready for the main event - as are we - but we face quite a wait for the hullabaloo to get underway. That's expected at any point after 3.45am. Until then, we'll build up to the fight as well as providing updates to the two matches on the undercard. Vasyl Lomachenko will defend his WBO featherweight title against Gamalier Rodriguez before Leo Santa Cruz takes on Jose Cayetano in his first fight at 126lbs.
Before we get stuck into tonight's action, why not have a read at Sports Mole's preview of the Mayweather versus Pacquiao bout, which is for the WBC, WBA and WBO welterweight titles. I've pointed that out because they have barely been mentioned during the build-up, but that tells you everything that you need to know about the size of this fight. It isn't about belts - it's about pride, honour and legacy.
American middleweight Chris Pearson, who is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, has just come through his encounter with Said El Harrak with a wide points decision. He is now unbeaten in 12 matches but he was far from impressive tonight.
Amir Khan may have missed out on a fight with both Mayweather and Pacquiao but it hasn't stopped him joining the party this evening.
Mayweather pacquiao fight tickets. pic.twitter.com/g4fCPhHS7i
— Amir Khan (@AmirKingKhan) May 2, 2015
While we wait for the next fight to get started, which should involve either Lomachenko or Santa Cruz, let me plug another couple of articles that you may or may not have seen earlier this week. We took the opportunity to take a look back at the last five fights of both competitors and tell the story of their career over the past few years. If you would like to read up on Floyd Mayweather Jr, click here, but if you prefer to remind yourself about Pacquiao's performances, click here.
It looks like Team Mayweather have just arrived at the MGM Grand. Pacquiao was seen entering the building around 15 minutes ago.
The Money Team has arrived at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. #MayPac pic.twitter.com/dtR9MsprX7
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 3, 2015
It's refreshing to know that the two fighters are actually at the arena, but the fact that they are only just getting there could suggest that a start close to 3.45am or 4am might be a bit ambitious. I'd say that we are looking at around 4.30am now but don't hold me to that.
This is promising though. We look all set for the first of the two major undercard contests. I say major, but these fights coming up should be pretty one-sided. Challenger Gamalier Rodriguez has made his way to the ring and he is soon followed by WBO featherweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko. The Ukrainian is regarded as one of the best amateurs in history, and although he suffered defeat in his second professional fight, he is expected to become something really special in the featherweight division. This is a big night for him though, and he will be looking to record just his second stoppage win in his fifth outing.
Not a lot has happened in the opening two rounds but Rodriguez is holding his own. His work-rate was enough to earn him the opening round, but Lomachenko improved in the second.
Now that Lomachenko has settled into a rhythm, Rodriguez doesn't look like he has got much to offer in response. The Ukrainian has blinding hand speed and he is beginning to showcase his skills in front of what is a sparse crowd. We have Lomachenko 49-45 up after five rounds. Rodriguez was also docked a point in the fifth for a low blow.
As expected, it's a one-sided fight but things are getting a little tasty. Rodriguez is holding relentlessly as well as delivering countless low blows. It's antagonising Lomachenko but I think it's acting as motivation for him to go looking for the stoppage. He is 59-54 up at the halfway stage.
Yep, there is the knockdown. It wasn't a clean shot to the body but it was enough to force Rodriguez to take a knee. He managed to survive the round but the writing is on the wall.
RESULT! Lomachenko catches Rodriguez with another body shot that sends him to the canvas and it's all over. The challenger appeared to mis-judge the count but it's irrelevant really. He was getting beat up by the Ukrainian.
Next up will be WBC super-bantamweight champion Leo Santa-Cruz. However, the Mexican will be competing a few pounds baove his usual limit as he contemplates the permanent move to featherweight. His opponent will be Jose Cayetano, who isn't expected to pose much of a threat.
It's encouraging that the two fighters are already making their way to the ring. We reckon that there will be around a 45-minute gap between the end of this fight and the ring walks of Mayweather and Pacquiao.
Looks like Floyd has a few choices at his disposal this evening. I suppose he can just about afford it...
Look good, feel good. Which trunks will @FloydMayweather choose? #MayPac pic.twitter.com/GTIEcj92G4
— SHOWTIME SPORTS (@SHOsports) May 3, 2015
Cayetano is clearly out of his depth but he is still giving a good account of himself against a more established fighter. Santa Cruz is stalking him around the ring and landing at will, but the underdog is throwing a bit back.
This bout was billed as a mis-match but you get the impression that it is going to go the distance. Santa Cruz is throwing everything he has at Cayetano but he remains unmoved and continues to throw plenty of punches in return. The MGM Grand is filling up fast now but I think they face a wait to see the match that they have come to see.
Apparently, the PPV feed in the United States is on the blink and that could delay the main event. Keep everything crossed that they can sort the problem as soon as possible...
This fight has taken the same path throughout and in all honesty, it's getting a little boring. We are through seven rounds and Santa Cruz has won at least six of them.
RESULT! Jose Cayetano reaches the final bell but it's Leo Santa Cruz who wins by a unanimous verdict in this 10-round encounter.
Finally, the undercard is complete, and we can start looking forward to the main event. The question is though, how long are we going to have to wait. I will keep you posted.
So then, where do we start? I guess by taking a look at the long-time pound-for-pound king of boxing, Floyd Mayweather Jr. 'Money' has amassed a professional record of 47 successive victories and beaten an array of top names along the way. His knockout record isn't what it once was, but he is still churning out points decision after points decision. That said, insiders say that the American has been working on his punch power ahead of this fight and if that is the case, he has every chance of scoring a surprise stoppage victory.
As for Manny Pacquiao, he must have thought that this mega-fight was long gone after negotiations broke down over random drug testing five years ago, but with Mayweather running out of opponents and Pacquiao having put together three wins in a row against Brandon Rios, Timothy Bradley and Chris Algieri, all the boxes were ticked for this fight to go ahead. The Filipino superstar is a 64-fight veteran but he still possesses the hunger to dethrone his long-time rival from the top of the sport.
Where will this fight be won and lost? The possibilities are endless but you have to believe that Pacquiao is going to look for a fast start to unsettle Mayweather, while Mayweather will be prepared to be patient in order to work out Pacquiao and pick his shots. That said, if Pacquiao pushes too much, he could get caught more often than usual, but he could also land the blow that troubles his opponent. Who knows what is going to happen, but despite neither of these men recording a knockout in years, it has a decent chance of happening this evening.
More word is coming out that there is trouble with the PPV coverage in the US. Again, hopefully there isn't too much of a delay, if any at all.
Other sources are saying that proceedings will get underway in just over five minutes. Fingers crossed. I think this is actually going to happen.
A win for Mayweather this evening would secure a legacy among the all-time greats, but while a defeat wouldn't be catastrophic, it would be a blow to his reputation. As for Pacquiao, he effectively has nothing to lose but he won't be thinking like that. This is the opportunity that he has waited for all of his career and if he can pull this off, he will end his career arguably above Mayweather in the Hall of Fame. Perhaps...
It's time for the national anthems. Here we go!!!
I'm not sure who is singing the national anthem of the Philippines but Jamie Foxx will be singing the United States national anthem. I'd say this is a bigger gig than being the president in White House Down.
This sounds like a pro-Pacquiao crowd. They are about to welcome their man to the ring.
Pacquiao is all smiles, obviously. He looks relaxed and focused in equal measure.
Okay, super relaxed. Pacquiao has just paused to have a selfie taken with trainer Freddie Roach. Roach believes that his man is capable of winning every round against Mayweather. We shall see. Pacquiao is in the ring. Now it's time for Floyd...
"Hardwork". "Dedication". That's the message coming from the Mayweather camp. The WBC and WBA champ looks business-like as usual.
That didn't take long. Mayweather takes half the time that it took Pacquiao to make the ring.
It's time for the introductions. Jimmy Lennon Jr describes the MGM Grand as the "epicentre" of the sporting world this evening. He is spot on.
Pacquiao is introduced to the crowd first and he is greeted with appreciative cheers from the crowd before shouts of "Manny" echo around the area.
HUGE boos for Mayweather. Interesting. He won't be in the least bit bothered though.
And we are underway...
The opening seconds are cagey, but despite Pacquiao looking sharp, it's Mayweather who lands the first telling blow, which is a strong right hand to Pacquiao. Towards the end of the round, he lands another and it's acknowledged by Pacquiao. First round to the American.
Mayweather has started this beautifully, and he is catching Pacquiao with ease when his opponent lunges forward. It's far too one-dimensional from the Filipino. The size difference is telling and Mayweather is dominating at range and on the inside. The American has barely broken sweat.
If Mayweather is supposed to have aged, he certainly isn't showing it. He's boxing efficiently but he's razor sharp in defence and on the counter. Towards the end of the round, Mayweather landed with a overhand right before the two ended the stanza trading blows. Neither man gave an inch. Another round to Mayweather.
In the first minute of the round, Pacquiao enjoys his best spell of the fight so far, and then he lands with a straight left that forces Mayweather onto the back foot. The American covers up well before taking a combination from Pacquiao. Excellent round for the underdog.
Mayweather responds well and lands a combination that has Pacquiao rattled. He's not in any trouble but he took a few unanswered blows. With a minute to go, Pacquiao hasn't connected with anything and Mayweather is back in control. On our cards, it's 49-46 to Mayweather thru five.
Maybe Pacquiao had the last round off? He's come out of the traps for the sixth and immediately puts pressure on Mayweather, much like Maidana did last year. Mayweather responds with a couple of counters, but Pacquiao takes the round after a 20-second spell of unanswered punches. Mayweather brushes them off but the shots to the body may hinder Mayweather later in the fight.
Mayweather received a stern telling off from his corner and it's seems to have got him back on track. He shows more willingness to attack his opponent and he controls the opening two minutes. Pacquiao does connects with a right that sees Mayweather take a step back but it's not enough to take the round. 68-65 to Mayweather.
Better from Pacquiao, who gets Mayweather's attention with a left hook, but the American recovers well. Pacquiao is becoming slightly reckless but he probably needs to be to get back into this fight. Mayweather picks the Filipino off twice in succession to get back on level terms before making his opponent miss in the final seconds. Mayweather probably edges it and moves into a 78-74 advantage.
The onus is on Pacquiao to keep pushing forward and Mayweather is rocked with another left and swings wildly in response but can only catch fresh air. Pacquiao then misses and tastes a right hand from Mayweather and the American ends the round strongly with a couple of powerful right hands on the counter. We have it 88-83 and Pacquiao needs to find the stoppage, in our opinion anyway.
Mayweather knows he is ahead and he is content to sit on he back foot. Pacquiao lands with a couple of flush shots anbut they don't trouble Mayweather, who appears to be in his comfort zone. He could have taken the round off to save himself for the final six minutes. Pacquiao probably edges it, to reduce the deficit to 97-93.
Every time that Mayweather has looked sloppy, he has started the following round as the aggressor and it's no different here. In the opening 60 seconds, he lands three, perhaps four, big shots that bring a gasp from the crowd and this is slipping away from Pacquiao. Mayweather ends the stanza with more counter-punches and that was arguably his best round of the fight. We have him 107-102 up heading into the final round.
Pacquiao needs a monumental last round but Mayweather is aware of the situation, He glides around the ring evading punches as Pacquiao begins to look desperate. The final 60 seconds are pretty uneventful but it's another Mayweather round and we have him as a 117-111 victor.
There are plenty of boos for Mayweather, but that was a masterclass. If the judges have scored this correctly, Pacquiao can't have any more than three rounds.
Here comes the scores...118-110, 116-112 and 116-112 all in favour of Mayweather. Well done judges.
Mayweather moves to 48-0, and it's fully deserved. Mayweather says: "He's a hell of a fighter. I take my hat off to manny Pacquiao. Now I see why he is one of the guys at the pinnacle of boxing. I know that he was going to win some rounds. He had some moments in the fight but I kept him on the outside and out-boxed him. I wasn't getting hit with a lot of shots. We did what we had to do."
When asked what he has left, Mayweather confirms that his last fight will take place in September.
Interesting stuff from Pacquiao. He says: "I thought that I won the fight. He didn't do anything apart from move on the outside. I thought that I hit him many times."
I don't think Pacquiao will find too many people agreeing with him. It was far from a shutout but there won't be huge calls for a rematch.
On that note, we are going to bring an end to our coverage. It wasn't as entertaining as we perhaps hoped but we got the correct result. Thanks for sticking with us, and we hope to see you again soon.
