On May 2, 2015, boxing fans finally witnessed the clash between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao - a bout which was more than five years in the making. The fight took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was billed as the “Fight of the Century,” drawing unprecedented global attention and generating over $400 million in pay-per-view revenue.
The atmosphere was electric as two of boxing’s greatest modern icons shared the ring. Mayweather entered as the WBC and WBA welterweight champion, while Pacquiao carried the WBO title.
From the opening bell, Mayweather dictated the tempo with his trademark composure and precision. Using his jab, timing, and impeccable footwork, he neutralized Pacquiao’s aggression. Pacquiao found some success in the middle rounds, particularly in the fourth, when a flurry of straight left hands seemed to momentarily trouble Mayweather. Yet, the American quickly regained control, keeping the Filipino star at bay with counter right hands and sharp defensive movement.
After twelve tactical rounds, Mayweather won by unanimous decision with scores of 118-110, 116-112, and 116-112, extending his record to 48-0. The victory unified the WBA, WBC, and WBO welterweight titles and solidified Mayweather’s claim as the best boxer of his era.
Pacquiao later revealed he had entered the fight with a right shoulder injury, which limited his punch output. Despite the subdued nature of the contest compared to the hype surrounding it, the bout remains one of the most financially successful events in sports history.
Fight card:
▪️Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao, 12 rounds, for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA World and Pacquiao’s WBO World welterweight titles
▪️Vasyl Lomachenko vs. Gamalier Rodriguez, 12 rounds, for the WBO World featherweight title
▪️Brad Solomon vs. Adrian Granados, 10 rounds, welterweight
▪️Jesse Hart vs. Mike Jimenez, 10 rounds, for the vacant IBF USBA, NABF Junior, and WBO NABO super middleweight titles
▪️Leo Santa Cruz vs. Jose Cayetano, 10 rounds, featherweight
▪️Christopher Pearson vs. Said El Harrak, 10 rounds, super welterweight
