Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao (2015): The Fight of the Century

The Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao fight on May 2, 2015, was one of the most anticipated boxing matches in history. Billed as the “Fight of the Century,” it saw Mayweather use his signature defensive style to neutralize Pacquiao’s aggression, winning by unanimous decision.

It was a great time in 2015 when Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao faced off in a long-awaited super fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dubbed the “Fight of the Century,” this bout was one of the most highly anticipated and financially successful events in boxing history.

For years, boxing fans and analysts called for a clash between Mayweather and Pacquiao, two of the greatest boxers of their era. Negotiations repeatedly stalled due to disagreements over drug testing, promotional disputes, and financial splits.

However, after years of public demand, a deal was finally reached in early 2015, with Mayweather agreeing to fight Pacquiao under a 60-40 purse split in his favor. The hype surrounding the event was unprecedented, with celebrities, athletes, and even non-boxing fans eagerly awaiting the clash.

The Fight

Mayweather, known for his defensive mastery and counterpunching, entered the ring undefeated at 47-0. Pacquiao, a dynamic offensive fighter with power, speed and skill, was seen as threat to Mayweather’s perfect record.

Key Highlights:

• Mayweather controlled the early rounds, using his signature shoulder roll defense and precise jabs to keep Pacquiao at bay.
• In Round 4, Pacquiao landed a powerful left hand that momentarily stunned Mayweather, igniting hopes of an upset.
• Despite Pacquiao’s aggression, Mayweather’s superior defense, footwork, and accuracy allowed him to neutralize the Filipino’s offense throughout the fight.
• The fight lacked the fireworks many had hoped for, with Mayweather’s tactical approach frustrating Pacquiao.

After 12 rounds, the judges scored the bout 116-112, 116-112, and 118-110, all in favor of Floyd Mayweather, solidifying his legacy.

The Aftermath & Controversy

• Pacquiao’s Shoulder Injury: After the fight, Pacquiao revealed he had suffered a shoulder injury in training, which he claimed hindered his performance. Many fans felt he should have disclosed the injury before the fight.
• Fan Disappointment: Some viewers criticized the fight for lacking action, with Mayweather’s defensive style leading to a cautious, tactical match rather than an all-out war.
• Financial Records: The fight shattered records:
  • $600 million total revenue
  • 4.6 million pay-per-view (PPV) buys in the U.S., the highest ever at the time
  • Mayweather earned around $250 million, while Pacquiao made around $150 million

Legacy & Rematch Talks

• Mayweather retired in 2017 with a perfect 50-0 record after defeating Conor McGregor.
• Pacquiao continued boxing, winning the WBA welterweight title at age 40 before retiring in 2021.
• Despite occasional rumors of a rematch, no second fight has taken place.

While the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight may not have given the expected action, it remains a historic event that defined an era in boxing. It showcased Mayweather’s technical brilliance and cemented his status as one of the greatest defensive boxers ever, while Pacquiao’s sportsmanship solidified his place as a boxing legend.