OMNISPORT

Floyd Mayweather Jr rubber-stamped his status as 21st-century boxing's dominant force with a masterful unanimous decision victory over pound-for-pound rival Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas.

The American adds Pacquiao's WBO welterweight title to his WBC and WBA crowns and moves an unblemished professional record to 48 victories.

There were moments of success for Pacquiao but the all-action Filipino's blistering hand-speed merely punctuated a contest where Mayweather's elusive, counter-punching brilliance was the dominant feature.

Mayweather's work over the 12 rounds was preferred by margins of 118-110, 116-112 and 116-112 at ringside, meaning Pacquiao's own stellar career ledger slides to 57 wins, six defeats and two draws. 

The 38-year-old insisted afterwards that a September defence which could bring him level with the iconic 49-0 mark achieved by heavyweight great Rocky Marciano will be his last fight, a bout he will enter having settled any dispute over his generational supremacy.

CHECK OUT THE BEST IMAGES OF THE FIGHT

Despite returning to what is effectively his home arena at the MGM Grand for an 11th consecutive fight, Mayweather walked out to a cacophony of boos as his opponent was cheered to the rafters.

Mayweather established control of centre-ring during the opener, landing a pair of trademark straight right hands as Pacquiao struggled to get into range.

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The Filipino's much-vaunted punch volume also failed to materialise in round two and, although the WBO champion displayed greater urgency in the third, his WBC and WBA counterpart crunched home a pair of authoritative rights as the bell approached.

Mayweather spent too much time by the ropes in round four and Pacquiao needed no further invitation to ignite his night's work, forcing his opponent to cover up under heavy fire after a booming overhand left.

A pair of crisp right hooks also troubled the American but he responded well in an entertaining fifth of back and forth, before Pacquiao was allowed to let his hands go in the next session to prompt stern words from Floyd Sr in the Mayweather corner.

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Pacquiao's furious work-rate and punch output continued to cause Mayweather discomfort throughout round seven, while the 36-year-old's flurries and thudding lefts were set against slick one-punch responses from both wings.

The undefeated fighter planted his feet and opened up in the penultimate round following further furious Pacquiao work in the 10th, stinging left hooks landing frequently as the southpaw made his way in.

Mayweather celebrated his own work at the bell and his trusty, educated counter rights kept a game Pacquiao largely at bay for the remainder to seal a defining triumph.

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