When did Floyd Mayweather fight Manny Pacquiao? This question has been on the minds of boxing fans for years, as the highly anticipated fight between these two boxing legends took place on May 2, 2015. The bout, which was billed as “The Fight of the Century,” was a major event in the world of boxing and left a lasting impact on the sport.
The buildup to the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight was immense, with both fighters having impressive careers and legions of fans worldwide. Floyd Mayweather, known as “Money,” was already a boxing icon with a record of 49 wins, 0 losses, and 26 knockouts by the time the fight was announced. On the other hand, Manny Pacquiao, dubbed “The Pacman,” had an equally remarkable record of 56 wins, 5 losses, and 38 knockouts. The fight was set to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
The Mayweather-Pacquiao fight was a battle of styles, with Mayweather known for his defensive prowess and Pacquiao for his aggressive fighting style. Many boxing experts predicted that Mayweather’s defensive skills would be the key to victory, while others believed that Pacquiao’s relentless pressure could eventually break through Mayweather’s defense. The fight lived up to the hype, as it was a back-and-forth battle that saw both fighters showcasing their unique talents.
The bout began with Mayweather taking the early lead, using his defensive skills to avoid Pacquiao’s shots. Pacquiao, however, was relentless, constantly pushing Mayweather back and landing punches. Mayweather’s face was bloodied throughout the fight, but he managed to maintain his composure and avoid being knocked down. As the fight progressed, Mayweather began to take control, landing more accurate punches and wearing down Pacquiao.
In the 12th and final round, Mayweather landed a series of powerful shots that sent Pacquiao to the canvas. The Filipino boxer was counted out, and Mayweather was declared the winner by a unanimous decision. Mayweather’s victory was controversial for some, as it was widely believed that Pacquiao had done enough to win the fight. However, Mayweather’s defensive tactics and ability to absorb punishment were on full display during the bout.
The Mayweather-Pacquiao fight was a defining moment in boxing history, as it was the first time that two fighters with a combined record of 105 wins, 5 losses, and 64 knockouts had faced off. The event generated a massive amount of revenue, with pay-per-view sales exceeding 4.6 million, making it the highest-grossing boxing event of all time. It also sparked a renewed interest in boxing and introduced a new generation of fans to the sport.
In conclusion, Floyd Mayweather fought Manny Pacquiao on May 2, 2015, in what has been hailed as “The Fight of the Century.” The highly anticipated bout lived up to its billing, delivering a thrilling back-and-forth battle that will be remembered for years to come. Despite the controversy surrounding the decision, the fight cemented both Mayweather and Pacquiao’s legacies as two of the greatest boxers of all time.
