American boxer Floyd Mayweather beat Irishman Conor McGregor by way of technical knockout in the 10th round of their much-hyped megafight to keep his perfect record intact.
While many expected a far less competitive bout, the two fighters gave impressive performances throughout, until the last round when McGregor wore out Mayweather took the advantage to give him a TKO, ensuring he extended his professional record to 50-0.
Mayweather came out of retirement at 40 for the fight.
The megafight was billed by promoters as the richest of all time, but that is yet to be determined.
Mayweather’s win pushed him ahead of heavyweight great Rocky Marciano’s record of 49-0 wins without a loss or draw.
“I think we gave the fans what they wanted to see,” Mayweather said.
McGregor had vowed to knock Mayweather out within two rounds, and he won the early rounds with movement and punches to the head. But the tide of the fight turned in the fourth round.
“Our game plan was to take our time, go to him and take him out in the end,” Mayweather said. “I guaranteed everybody this fight wouldn’t go the distance.”
After the fight, McGregor went over and hugged Mayweather.
He seemed contented with the result, seemingly sure he had given a good show even in the loss.
Mayweather thereafter revealed that he would not be going back to the ring anymore.
“This is my last fight for sure. 50-0 sounds good, I’m looking forward to going into the Hall of Fame,” he announced. “I picked the best dance partner to do it with.”
