By Vivem Soriano
Eagle News Service
Floyd Mayweather beat Conor McGregor via 10th round TKO, in a much-publicized fight that led to television delays as a result of audience demand.
Referee Robert Byrd mercifully halted the bout after McGregor got tagged defenseless with vicious head punches by Mayweather.
But it wasn’t like this in the beginning of the fight.
McGregor came out firing at the start, tagging Mayweather with numerous jabs and hooks.
Mayweather had a hard time dealing with the unorthodox boxing of McGregor, who was fighting his pro boxing debut.
There were moments in the bout where it seemed Mayweather was bothered by the strange offense of McGregor, who was repeatedly warned by the referee to stop throwing hammer punches and hitting his opponent behind his head.
But Mayweather’s superior boxing prowess finally turned the tide midway through the bout.
Mayweather stung McGregor with vicious right straights that staggered the UFC star in the 6th round.
McGregor appeared to tire after that, leaving him most of the time open and defenseless against the relentless assault by the undefeated boxer.
McGregor from then on just seemed to be trying to survive and finish the bout on his feet.
With the win, Mayweather went 50-0 with 27 knockouts, surpassing the record set by the great Rocky Marciano.
Mayweather hinted that the bout was possibly the last of an illustrious career, highlighted by wins over other boxing greats such as Manny Pacquiao, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, Oscar dela Hoya, Arturo Gatti and Jose Luis Castillo.
McGregor meanwhile appeared set to return to the UFC, with possibly a defense of his UFC lightweight title or finally completing the trilogy against fellow UFC star Nate Diaz.
Both fighters are expected to walk their way to the bank with hefty paydays for this bout.
Mayweather has a guaranteed purse of $100 million, while McGregor is expected to get at least $30 million according to the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
PPV buys, gate receipts and other promotional bonuses are expected to add millions more to their earnings.