Mayweather Takes a $200M Bow

But UFC's Conor McGregor performed respectably, has $100M of his own
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Aug 27, 2017 5:35 AM CDT
Updated Aug 27, 2017 6:04 AM CDT
Mayweather Ends Mega-Fight 50-0, $200M Richer
Floyd Mayweather Jr. poses for photographers after defeating Conor McGregor in a super welterweight boxing match Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Las Vegas.    (Isaac Brekken)

Floyd Mayweather Jr. put on a show in the last fight of his spectacular career. Conor McGregor didn't do so badly, either. Mayweather figured out a 50th opponent Saturday night, letting McGregor have the early rounds before stalking him late and leaving the mixed martial artist defenseless and exhausted on the ropes in the 10th round. It was a smashing end to a career that earned Mayweather more money than any fighter before him—including an estimated $200 million for his last bout, reports the AP. "I think we gave the fans what they wanted to see," Mayweather said. "I owed them for the (Manny) Pacquiao fight." Mayweather battered McGregor around the ring in the later rounds, finally stopping him at 1:05 of the 10th with a flurry of punches that forced referee Robert Byrd to stop the fight.

Mayweather methodically broke McGregor down after a slow start to score his first real stoppage in nearly a decade. In a fight so intriguing that it cost $10,000 for ringside seats, McGregor turned in a respectable performance for his first fight, but Mayweather's experience and ring savvy paid off. "I was a little fatigued," he said. "He was composed in there, that's what 50 pro fights can give you." McGregor's challenge of Mayweather was fueled by social media and turned into a spectacle as the two fighters promoted the bout. It figured to make him $100 million or so, and gave McGregor a name and brand outside of the UFC. Mayweather ran his record to 50-0, surpassing Rocky Marciano's 49-0 record. "This is my last fight for sure. 50-0 sounds good, I'm looking forward to going into the Hall of Fame," Mayweather said. "I picked the best dance partner to do it with. (More Floyd Mayweather Jr. stories.)

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