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 left ensured a startlingly good start for McGregor.
Floyd Mayweather jumps on the ropes to celebrate his victory after stopping Conor McGregor in the 10th round
The Money Man embraces his Irish opponent after showing his class to move to a landmark 50-0 professional boxing record
McGregor gave it his all in the opening the rounds but Mayweather grew into the clash as the Irishman begun to tire
Mayweather lands a lovely right-handed punch which McGregor feels the full force of at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena
The Money Man swings a powerful left-handed punch in the direction of The Notorious during this enthralling encounter
After a quiet first three rounds from Mayweather, the American started to pick out shots and McGregor’s defence weakened.
Mayweather went to work to head and body during round four – and McGregor was beginning to rely on time-wasting tactics
With Mayweather growing into the encounter and beginning to dominate this bout, McGregor grabs hold of the American
Despite Mayweather dominating their showdown, McGregor still mocked his American opponent in the ring
| MAYWEATHER | ROUND | MCGREGOR |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 1 | 10 |
| 9 | 2 | 10 |
| 9 | 3 | 10 |
| 10 | 4 | 9 |
| 10 | 5 | 9 |
| 10 | 6 | 9 |
| 10 | 7 | 9 |
| 10 | 8 | 9 |
| 10 | 9 | 9 |
| 87 | TOTAL | 84 |
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.
Mayweather taking charge now. A succession of rights to the head sent McGregor staggering and gasping and there were roars of ‘Money, Money’ to drown out the Irish chants.
Mayweather keeps marching forward. There does not appear to be as much KO power in the McGregor left as in the light MMA gloves. Again Mayweather has him on the retreat. Again the right is signalling that the end may be coming.
It’s one way traffic now. McGregor is being outclassed and bewildered, as a novice should be. He also looks to be tiring as more precise Mayweather punches land.
McGregor gets desperate he is warned sternly by referee Byrd for hitting behind the head. He reels before more big right and lefts, grabs Mayweather to survive a torrid round.
It’s over. Mayweather unleashed a barrage which leaves McGregor helpless on the ropes and the referee with no option but to intervene.
MORE TO FOLLOW
McGregor forces Mayweather onto the ropes during the opening round of their super-welterweight clash in Las Vegas
Veteran boxing referee Robert Byrd looks to break things up as the rivals hold on to each other during their showdown
Despite his early pressure, there did not appear to be as much KO power in the McGregor left as in the light MMA gloves
After lengthy instructions as to what is allowed in boxing, they did touch gloves – and the bout finally got underway
When Mayweather backed away to absorb an assault, Mayweather mocked him, going far as to put his hands behind his back
The Notorious showed some effective combinations and The Money Man was on the backfoot during opening three rounds
Mayweather, who was undefeated in 49 professional fights prior to this fight, puts his defence up as McGregor eyes a move
Again, McGregor looks to pile the pressure on Mayweather as the American moves towards the ropes at the T-Mobile Arena
The Irish UFC star looks on from his corner as he gathers his thoughts ahead of the first round of their money-spinning bout
McGregor, who entered the ring with the Ireland flag draped around his back, shows off his new haircut ahead of the clash
Mayweather, donning a black and gold tracksuit for the highly-anticipated bout, arrives at the arena with his entourage
The American boxer, who was undefeated in 49 professional fights prior to this showdown, cuts a cool figure on Saturday
McGregor gives the thumbs up as he climbs out a white Rolls-Royce and prepares to make his way inside the Las Vegas venue
The Irish UFC star, who opted to wear chequered blue suit for grand arrival, cuts a concentrated figure in his dressing room
A serious-looking McGregor has his hands wrapped for his super-welterweight boxing match against Mayweather
Still wearing his suit trousers but with his hands wrapped, McGregor gears up for the fight by doing some leg stretches
NBA star LeBron James (right) and former boxer Mike Tyson (second right) were among the familiar faces present at the bout
Excitement gathers pace in Las Vegas on Saturday as fans wait in line outside the T-Mobile Arena to purchase tickets