Mayweather Wins Pacquiao by Unanimous Decision

In the so-called “Fight of the Century,” Mayweather won by unanimous decision, and none of the official scorecards had Pacquiao closer than 116-112.

 Floyd Mayweather celebrates the unanimous decision victory over Manny Pacquiao. Photograph: Harry How/Getty Images

Using his four-inch reach advantage to score quick points with jabs, and his defensive shoulder roll to avoid getting hurt on the inside, Floyd Mayweather outpointed Manny Pacquiao in a 12 round decision for the World Welterweight Championship tonight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Mayweather, 38 years old, remains perfect–48-0 with 26 KOs. The 36 year old Pacquiao fell to 57-6-2 with 38 KOs.

Mayweather won on all three scorecards on Saturday. Photograph: NSAC via The Guardian UK

On their short walks to the ring Pacquiao was smiling and relaxed, like he was headed to a party; Mayweather tightlipped and serious, the look of someone going to the biggest business meeting of his life

When interviewed after, Pacquiao said he thought he had won the fight.

Image by S.B Nation

Of course, it's not surprising for a boxer to be confident after going 12 rounds. Pacquiao even walked around the ring with his arms towards the heavens as if he'd gotten the win

It was a good fight (but certainly not a great one)–It wasn’t close to being as exciting a fight as either the first or third bouts in the Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier trilogy in the 1970s. Tonight’s battle was more of a chess match than a brawl and unlike the first Ali-Frazier fight (the original Fight of the Century when both combatants were undefeated) there were no knockdowns.