Floyd earns split decision

In a fight expected to be one of the highest-grossing in boxing history, Mayweather won the verdict from two of the three judges at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino to improve his career record to 38-0 with 24 knockouts.

The 30-year-old American, widely regarded as the world's best fighter pound-for-pound, defended skilfully early on before imposing himself in the later rounds with his powerful right and several telling combinations.

Mayweather connected with a thumping right and left combination early in the 12th and final round before a flurry of close-range punches from both fighters ended the bout.

De La Hoya, arguably the biggest name in boxing despite being in the twilight of his career, started impressively, pinning Mayweather against the ropes and frequently connecting with his trademark left hook.

However, the 34-year-old Mexican-American found it increasingly difficult to penetrate Mayweather's renowned defence and his close-range jabs became more ineffective.

Mayweather landed a couple of left jabs early in the first round before being forced to back pedal and defend by the advancing De La Hoya.

Trying to cramp his opponent whenever possible, De La Hoya maintained the initiative in the second round with a flurry of left hooks, one of them connecting with Mayweather's head.

De La Hoya upped the tempo in the third, pinning Mayweather against the ropes with a series of close jabs and punches.

Although Mayweather responded with a probing overhead right, De La Hoya retained early control.

Two early left hooks by De La Hoya set the tone for another dominant performance in round four. With Mayweather on perpetual retreat, the title holder again forced him into the corner, pummelling his left side with a series of jabs. De La Hoya unleashed another powerful left hook just before the bell.

Mayweather connected with an overhead right early in round five before De La Hoya responded with a flurry of close punches. Mayweather began to find his range with his right and dominated the rest of the round with a series of solid blows to De La Hoya's head.

Although De La Hoya backed Mayweather into the ropes in round six, his opponent defended most of the jabs with his gloves. Mayweather then connected with two left hooks and an overhead right to close out the round.

De La Hoya began the seventh round with a series of overhead rights but failed to connect with most of them because of Mayweather's skilful ducking and weaving. Mayweather, relentlessly gaining momentum, got in a left-right combination and ended the round on top.

Mayweather dominated round eight, unleashing a series of sweeping lefts and rights while De La Hoya continued to miss with most of his jabs from close range.

A solid right from Mayweather, followed by six punches in quick succession, kept De La Hoya under pressure in the ninth round.

De La Hoya, taking the attack to Mayweather, connected with a solid right early in round 10 before being hit by a low jab after forcing his opponent into a corner. Mayweather then landed a powerful right on De la Hoya's chin just before the bell.

Mayweather's right connected several times in round 11 before De la Hoya, after failing to land anything significant from close range, ended the round with a sharp jab.

Saturday's showdown at the 17,000-seat MGM Grand Arena was broadcast to 176 countries, with total revenue predicted to exceed $100 million.