Floyd Mayweather moved to a landmark 50-0 record by stopping Conor McGregor in the 10th round of their money-spinning showdown in Las Vegas.
The mega-fight was delayed due to pay-per-view issues but when it did eventually get going, fans inside the Las Vegas venue were treated to an enthralling encounter.
So after lengthy instructions as to what is allowed in boxing, they did touch gloves. McGregor came charging and dancing as expected. Mayweather backed away to absorb the assault and when he did try a jab to the stomach it fell so short that The Notorious mocked him, going far as to put his hands behind his back. Two good lefts ensured a startlingly good start for McGregor.
McGregor was booed for a rabbit punch but was boxing much better than most of us expected. He even switched effectively from southpaw to orthodox for an effective combination which gave him the second round.
Mayweather was feeling his way into this fight but still having trouble with McGregor’s height and reach. The right jab was bothering Mr Money and the UFC man’s changes of movement and styles kept him in the ascendancy.
Mayweather could not afford to dither much longer – and he knew it. The old maestro went to work to head and body, not only getting himself in the scorecard at last but backing up McGregor.
The McGregor jabs were more of nuisance now than a threat and Mayweather kept advancing through them. The pressure began to tell and McGregor stumbled back from a smatter of shots. It showed, too, when the Irishman said something to Mayweather at the end of the round and was pushed for his trouble.