Floyd Mayweather vs Canelo Alvarez - as it happened (2024)

Thanks for reading, emailing, tweeting, caring, sharing. Sorry I couldn't use all of your emails and tweets. That was a very enjoyable fight, even if Mayweather proved just too good for Alvarez. The undercard (well, most of it) was enjoyable too.

Kevin Mitchell's big fight report will be online soon.

Well, Mayweather was too good for Alvarez. He was too smart, too quick, too elusive. Maybe Alvarez will have a better chance when he has more experience. Although he did also look to pondersome. For what it's worth I scored it 118-113. Although that makes it look closer than it eventually was. I don't know how one of the judges managed to score it a draw...

A few final tweets:

"I couldn't catch him. He's too elusive.

"I did not know how to get him. He is very intelligent, very elusive."

"The frustration was getting in there. I was trying to catch him."

"I am only 23-years-old, this is a great experience for me."

"He is a true champion. He can the loss and bounce back. Thank you to all who bought pay-per-view."

"I am not in control of what the judges do. Things happen in the sport of boxing."

"He is a strong competitor. But it's nothing I haven't felt before."

He doesn't reveal if Garcia will be next, instead encouraging us to log-on to MoneyTeam.com and buy a hat.

Floyd Mayweather wins by majority decision

The judges score it: 114-114, 116-112, 117-11

Some recent tweets as we wait for the judges' verdict:

Canelo again coming forward but Mayweather dances away repeatedly. The Mexican just doesn't look like he can find a way to get Mayweather where he wants him. Every time Canelo feels like he has Mayweather where he wants him the American again slips away. They briefly grapple and Canelo lands a couple of close blows. Canelo looks frustrated. Mayweather looks safe as he dances away. There's no respectful exchange as the bell sounds, but then they come together a few seconds later. This is up to the judges but Mayweather has surely won.

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Mayweather 10-9 Alvarez

Canelo still can't get Mayweather where he wants him and looks frustrated. A big Mayweather right hand connects with Canelo. Mayweather's jab still scoring most of the points. He throws in a nice-lookjng uppercut to the collection. Mayweather still coming forward, looking for an opening, but there is none there. Canelo throws a huge right hook, but it only connects with the ropes as Mayweather dances away. Looks like Canelo needs a KO to win this now. And he hasn't looked anywhere near landing one of those yet.

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Mayweather 10-9 Alvarez

Canelo again starts the round strongly, but Mayweather again stops the younger fighter with the accuracy of his left hand jabs. Canelo finds himself on the ropes and the target of more efficient jabbing. When Canelo gets away from the ropes Mayweather still looks too smart to get caught. Canelo lands a few blows when he does finally get Mayweather into the corner but he takes them on the arms and bounces away. At the end of the round they spend a second or two exchanging hard stares.

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Mayweather 10-9 Alvarez

Canelo again coming forward. It's a flat-footed sort of advance, lacking fluid movement, but he still looks confident and strong. Mayweather's fast hands though are still landing counterpunch jabs. And now it's Mayweather advancing. A straight right catches Canelo's jaw and makes a shudder. Frequently Canelo will throw 2 or 3 punches while Mayweather throws just one. But Mayweather's are clearly landing on the target while Canelo's are less accurate

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Mayweather 10-9 Alvarez

Canelo marching forward in the early exchanges, forcing Mayweather into the ropes, but failing to land any serious blows. Mayweather remains the expert in slipping punches, too smart to get caught by Canelo's punches. Canelo trying to trap Mayweather on the ropes. His punches look strong but are mostly catching Mayweather's arms. When Mayweather punches he does so efficiently, scoring with a higher percentage.

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Mayweather 9-10 Alvarez

Another grapple, another moment when Mayweather looks either unhappy or non-plussed. Canelo clearly undaunted. In the simple exchanges Mayweather's jab looks to be the better scoring option. But Canelo is counter-punching. A right uppercut by Mayweather looks to be the first big punch to land. Canelo is back on the ropes taking a series of Mayweather combinations. But Canelo survives as Mayweather declines to go in for the kill. He's too wary of the unexpected to do that

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Mayweather 10-9 Alvarez

Canelo dominating the centre of the ring in the early exchanges as they swap jabs. As Canelo comes forward, Mayweather tucks the red head under his arm and the grapple almost sends both of them to the canvas. And then during the next grapple, the referee splits them but Alvarez is unhappy, pointing at Mayweather and accusing him. The young Mexican looks undaunted . As they stand toe to toe in the middle of the ring, Alvarez throws non-connecting combos. it will be interesting to see how the judges are scoring this.

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Mayweather 10-10 Alvarez

Mayweather again trying to keep Alvarez at bay with his left jab, but Canelo (roared on by a large Mexican contingent) is not retreating. Canelo lands another combination that would have had a lesser fighter than Mayweather in trouble. Mayweather lands a left and right to the body and then jerks back Canelo's head, but the Mexican comes right on back.

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Mayweather 10-10 Alvarez

Mayweather opening up with the advancing jabs. Canelo lands a low blow and gets a stiff talking to from the referee. When Mayweather goes to touch gloves but the Mexican declines the offer. Just as Mayweather looks to be getting on top with his solid left jab, Canelo responds with a series of body combinations. The crowd roar rises as this fight takes off.

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Mayweather 10-9 Alvarez

Canelo is out of his seat well before the bell rings - keen, but he should probably save his strength - this fight already looks like it could go the distance. Mayweather looks very wary of a big Canelo attack. The Mexican lands a combination but the American replies with some stiff jabs to the head. A Mayweather combination causes Canelo to start talking back. Mayweather retreats to the ropes briefly and Canelo lands a left hook. Canelo's right hook is mostly missing, until a right uppercut at the bell lands. Canelo fighting with no fear. A touch of cautiousness from Mayweather. Neither is on top yet.

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Mayweather 10-10 Alvarez

Mayweather still looking more positive than he sometimes has in recent years. When Canelo does try a surging move forward he half stumbles and lands nothing. The boxers mostly sizing each other up in the middle of the ring. Mayweather still trying to find his jabbing range. One solid left pushes Canelo's head back but no serious damage done. Canelo connects with a lead left hook. At the end of the round Mayweather throws himself forward into a grapple

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Mayweather 9-10 Alvarez

Mayweather unusually on the front foot, coming forward in the early seconds of the fight. Canelo looking pretty static, threatening more punches than he's actually throwing. Alvarez's green gloves landing rarely but he doesn't look intimidated. Mayweather landed a couple of right hooks (with his very shiny blue gloves) and some useful jabs that just edge the opening round.

Guardian unofficial scorecard: Mayweather 10-9 Alvarez

Cheering and booing for Canelo. He's wearing green shorts which are mostly adorned by advertising for Corona.

Mayweather gets even more booing. He's wearing blue/silver shorts.

Daragh Thomas emails:

Is it just me or did Justin Bieber look petrified walking out there? I reckon him being there is another reason to root for Alvarez.

The next words you will see on this page will be at the end of the first round.

Ding dong...

Canelo is a lot younger - and 15 pounds heavier - than Mayweather.

The boxers are now being introduced. Canelo looks pumped. Mayweather is chewing maniacally.

After a raucous reception for Canelo, Mayweather enters with a Money Team rap blasting in the background and wearing a blue and silver leather jacket.

Andrew Mullinder emails:

Don't forget that on the extremely rare occasions that Mayweather has been hit on the chin with something meaningful, his chin has been shown as superb. Canelo's best hope is to outwork the old man.

Rayna Hill says:

Mayweather goes down in the fourth...

See Also

Mayweather vs Canelo: Floyd Mayweather puts on dominating display in winHow Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez set up Mexican to be the face of boxing 10 years later | Sporting News

I'm going for Mayweather on points.

Canelo enters wearing a rather strange gown in the green, red and white of Mexico.

Daniel SanMateo sends this cool graphic comparing the fighters and Darragh Thomas emails a link to this piece on the business of the big fight.

The Mexican and American anthems are being sung. The fighters are almost ready to come out...

Via email:

Dave Good man writes:

The curious question is 'how much weight is Alvarez going to put on since weigh in?'

Fifteen pounds can make an amazing difference in the ring. Mayweather's shoulder might not work very well tonight. He might even bust a fist trying to knock around 170 pounds!

Chris Reid writes:

Don't get me wrong, Mayweather is a great fighter but nothing lasts forever......

In my opinion I can't to see someone lay Mayweather out like a carpet.

I have money on Canelo doing just that

Daniel Mullis writes:

I see this fight as being very similar to Hopkins vs Pavlik a few years ago. Hard hitting, generally static fighter coming up against an older, far more skilled technician. 9 rounds to 3. Wide UD for Floyd.

Via Twitter:

Elaine Mercer is looking for help:

Not much to do with the fight here but....is anyone else reporting problems with the flight? We were watching the fight but for a while now it is appearing on Sky with a technical fault. There is no 24 hour helpline number that I can find they all stop at 11pm! Typical!!!

Can anyone help?

Predictions and then the big fight coming up...

That was a good fight. Garcia just edged it but Matthysse put up a good show. Garcia puts his victory down to being "champion of the world" and "I'm from Philadelphia...if I can make it out of there, I can make it out of anywhere"

Garcia wins! Unanimous decision: 115-111, 114-112, 114-112

Verdict in a moment...

Matthysse's last chance and he comes forward but he can't find room for the big one and Garcia is still landing combinations that stop the forward march of the Argentinian. Garcia catchesMatthysse with a very low blow and finally he is deducted a point.Matthysse spends a moment gathering his thoughts, as it were. And then the round finishes with furious flurries from both men. It's up to the judges now...

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Matthysse 10-8 Garcia

Matthysse lands a big straight right hand punch that sends Garcia's mouthguard flying. Referee stops the fight briefly to retrieve the missing mouthpiece. And now Garcia is looking uneasy and forced to go into the grapple. The referee has another word with Garcia about low blows. How many of those will he give before deducting a point? And then Garcia throws a three-punch combination andMatthysse is down against the ropes. He's up quickly but takes the start of the count. Great round of boxing.

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Matthysse 8-10 Garcia

I have a stack of emails and tweets collecting in my in-box. Will try to use them ahead of the main event. But this fight is too absorbing at the moment. Best undercard fight I've seen for some time.

Matthysse looking increasingly urgent coming forward to start the round. But whenever Garcia throws a left hookMatthysse really looks like he has no idea it's coming. Garcia's jab is mostly keepingMatthysse at a distance.Matthysse slips and almost ends up on the deck. But it's definitely a slip

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Matthysse 9-10 Garcia

This:

The Argentinian challenger still gamely coming forwards but his point punches are still less effective and there are fewer attempts at the big knockout punch. And, still, when Matthyssethrows big hooks they are failing to connect. A little left hand jab does catch Garcia.

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Matthysse 10-10 Garcia

Kevin Mitchell in Vegas writes:

Just spoke to Barry McGuigan, sitting 20 yards from the ring, and he agrees there will be a knockout either way in this one. Leans towards Matthysse.

Matthysse has a bunged up right eye, and it's not responding to the Enswell; difficult times now against such a noted left-hooker.

Matthysse almost fighting one-eyed now so swollen is his right eye and the Argentinian is caught by a right hook from Garcia that he may not have even seen. Garcia is getting the better of the jabbing contest and landing more one-two combinations.

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Matthysse 9-10 Garcia

Matthysse's jab is looking more effective but Garcia counters accurately.Matthysse hits Garcia with a big right hook but Garcia takes it with barely a blink.Matthysse has a lot of swelling beneath his right eye that looks like it might close up. A one-two left-right combo from Garcia close to the bell.

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Matthysse 9-10 Garcia

Matthysse starts this round better, landing more punches, more body blows and he is the one moving forward. Garcia looking a little non-plussed and not landing as many jabs.Matthysse then goes back to the one big punch theory with a huge right haymaker that looks comical as it misses Garcia by a mile.

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Matthysse 10-9 Garcia

Matthysse still hoping for the big punch. Indeed, that seems to be his only real plan - one knockout blow. Garcia meanwhile landing more point scoring blows.

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Matthysse 9-10 Garcia

Andrew Mullinder writes:

Steve, stop scoring rounds 10-10. In boxing scoring, judges are instructed that they shouldn't score rounds even. You'll notice that on scorecards, there are very few given 10-10. Not the done thing by pros, old boy.

Those judges don't have to liveblog (or read emails and tweets) at the same time as scoring the fight though. Plus those judges are far from infallible. I know 10-10 can be seen as a copout, but it also seems fairer in very close rounds.

Matthysse still looking for the big winning punch. Garcia looking increasingly comfortable and catchesMatthysse with a big right hand counter. But Garcia also gets another talking to from the referee for those low(er) punches. Garcia's combinations are also scoring more points - left to the body, right to the head.

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Matthysse 9-10 Garcia

Matthysse throwing some early left hook but none connect effectively and it leaves him open to Garcia counterpunches. Garcia tries a sweeping right hand, butMatthysse leans away comfortably and avoids the haymaker. When one of these connects we might see some canvas action. The pair have 48 KO wins between them.

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Matthysse 9-10 Garcia

Matthysse picking up the pace a little, but his body shots are mostly bouncing off Garcia's arms. Both fighters finding their range.Matthysse almost catches Garcia on the ropes. The referee gives Garcia a caution for a couple of low-ish blows. There was also a clash of heads but no blood.

Guardian unofficial scorecard:Matthysse 10-10 Garcia

My, what a pair of bright shorts these lads are sporting. I'm struggling to even describe them. Matthysse's shortsare mostly Argentinian pale blue, but with a gold sun and some white and some pattern. Garcia's shorts are brown, white, patterned, with pictures I can't quite make out. (If you can describe them better,emailsteve.busfield@theguardian.comor tweet to@Busfield). A couple of violent early flurries fromMatthysse catch Garcia a little by surprise. They then become more circ*mspect. Guardian unofficial scorecard:Matthysse 10-9 Garcia

WBA/WBC super lightweight title fight coming up...

Pre-fight thoughts:

Roger Mart writes:

Floyd Mayweather seems to be getting better with age.

At times it seems that the only boxer who might come close to beating the 36 year old Mayweather is a 38 year old Mayweather.

Roger in Thailand (currently 10 am - finally a sporting event being broadcast at a decent time )

Sean emails:

Will Mayweather fighting twice in 4 months as opposed to his recent once a year (at best) be a help or a hindrance to him? I'm still undecided. I'm also hungry. Is it too early for breakfast?

Depends where you are Sean. I'm not planning on breakfast for at least ten hours...

Brian Harvey in Newfoundland emails:

Prevailing opinion here is Floyd in 8, but as a ginger, personally I am betting Canelo in 7.

Remember, you can share your predictions/thoughts/jokes/videolinks via email tosteve.busfield@theguardian.comor via Twitter to@Busfield.

Kevin Mitchell at the MGM Grand Arena writes:

Well, there goes another Money Team boxer - again on split decision. Though Molina won handily, strong finish, and Smith has to rebuild his career, along with Londoner Theophane. You can have friends in places, but you've still got to throw the punches.

Have what we've seen so far told us anything about what is to come?

More requests on timing:

Lucas Matthysse vs Danny Garcia coming up next. And then Mayweather vs Alvarez.

More thoughts on the main event:

Carlos Molina wins by a split decision. And now we can all move on...

...is finally over

Andrew Fraser writes:

Prediction from Montreal, Canada... Nobody has the class to beat Mayweather. I was initially intrigued by Canelo, but looking at a lot of his previous fights, he's still learning. If this is close enough, Canelo may have a chance in Mayweather-Alvarez III, but clear unanimous points decision for my boyo Floyd in this one

Daniel SanMateo rather poetically emails (read to the final paragraph):

Mayweather looked formidable on the weighing day, but seemed not to be taking too seriously his opponent. This was also his saying on Showtime's prefight episodes. And the whole controversy about Canelo not holding the belt is just silly. Superstition or not, Canelo has not ever been handed things, he has earned them.

Canelo, like Roberto "Manos de piedra" Durán (Roberto "brick-hands" Durán) said, needs to punch, and keep punching, Floyd on the body. Hooks to the liver. That is the only way to slow Floyd down, who is, as everybody knows, the fastest fighter ever, and a sneaky one. Canelo must summon also some of his defensive skills he showcased in the Trout fight (there are some great videos on the internet of him being elusive as hell).

If he can do that, and timely place a thunderous right hand, he may win and prove the world and the experts wrong!

I just wish this to be a great and historic fight for the sake of boxing, and hopefully a win for Mexico.

To end this, I must say that in Mexico we believe in ghosts and spirits and the death, but we also believe that with a good protection, and good deeds, they will not hurt us. Mayweather is a ghost, you almost can't hit him, but Canelo knows that a ghost can't hurt the living, and he is the liveliest boxer tonight!

Eugene Matjee writes:

Gotta love the anticipation building up to the big one. Early morning here in S.A. Huge Mayweather fan but I sense an upset on the cards here.

We're into Round 11. The judges will be deciding this one.

Soon, Neil, soon...

Here's some nice pre-fight reading from our own Kevin Mitchell: "Floyd Mayweather's fight with Canelo Alvarez captures the imagination"

There is not a lot of love for Saúl "Canelo" Alvarez in Las Vegas. The bookmakers do not fancy him, the experts are not convinced, former fighters likewise, and Floyd Mayweather, his opponent at the MGM Grand on Saturday, predictably has shown him no more respect than he has reserved for all his 44 beaten opponents over 17 years.

Yet there is a parallel oddity: the prevailing view is that this multiple-title world light-middleweight contest could be Mayweather's most demanding assignment since 2007, the year he just beat Oscar De La Hoya and emphatically knocked out Ricky Hatton after coming through a wild few rounds at the beginning.

Why this is so is largely down to one number: 13. That is the age differential between one of the game's established legends and a rising prospect who was 15 when he first fought for money in 2005, stopping a similarly callow Abraham González in four rounds in front of a small audience in the Arena Chololo Larios, Tonala, a city on the edge of Guadalajara, not far from where he was born.

More here.

I'm excited. A lot of you seem to be excited. But then there's this counter view:

Including this paragraph:

But what's uglier in life than a bad, confident dancer? Canelo's badness overwhelms, and I go back to scribbling notes about cement feet and a straight bludgeoning of rhythm. You watch the so-called future of boxing as he clomps around to ranchera in Seahawk green shoes and Under Armour everything in Shane Mosley's gym, surrounded by posters of Shane's great fights, and you see bright-green heavy feet thudding around and try to convince yourself that you're watching Julio Cesar Chavez and Oscar De La Hoya rolled into one.

Sure, plenty of the fight game is about hype. And Canelo is not an attractive boxer. But he does represent a good matchup for Mayweather and that's what we want to see...

A lot of grappling but not much boxing

They've managed to get the microphone over to Charles Barkley now: he's very excited, apparently. Must admit that I do love Charles Barkley and the NBA half-time on TNT.

Brian Phee emails again:

Thanks Guys, for the prediction. Yes, that’s Sydney, Australia. Its afternoon here, so got to work out the running order for swim, BBQ, fight (not that we’re planning a fight at the BBQ).

As predicted, not a lot going on here. Showtime mostly entertaining themselves by showing yet more celebs in the house: Don Cheadle gets a big up for his House of Lies TV show (love that show - but I don't know anyone else who does).

Mark Crane in Houston, Texas writes again:

Canelo will come out with mariachi band playing. Mayweather comes out with Justin Beaver. Canelo gets some good licks in early, but Floyd will consistantly stick and move and if he starts to get into trouble will dance around the ring.

Floyd wins on decision.

Remember, you can share your predictions/thoughts/jokes/videolinks via email tosteve.busfield@theguardian.comor via Twitter to@Busfield.

Despite the hardship of having to buy their own tickets, there are still plenty of celebs in the house. William H Macy and Charles Barkley get close ups. Rosie Perez shows that she knows plenty about the fight game during a short interview. And Jack Nicholson says he can't see Mayweather being beaten.

Phil Sawyer emails:

Evening Steve. I've spent a most enjoyable evening with the redoubtable Professor Elemental, who as you know is not averse to a bit of fisticuffs himself. Anyway, my prediction? Mayweather on points. Just think there's too much class in his defensive game to get caught by a big shot. I should also add that I'm notoriously useless at calling fights correctly beforehand.

Love this

David Hannigan emails:

Canelo will knock out floyd.

We will get the floyd v manny fight.

Andrew Mullinder writes:

The problem I have with Mayweather's career is that it's not that of a great fighter. His opponent selection can be clearly separated into pre- and post-Castillo. Before and including their first fight, Mayweather genuinely fought the best, including choosing Castillo when he stepped up to 135. But after that, he consistently avoided the men he should have fought. At 140 he missed Tszyu, Cotto and Hatton. At 147, he missed Paul Williams, Antonio Margarito and, later, Pacquiao. I don't begrudge a boxer maximising profit and minimising risk, but he can't call himself great if he does that -- even if he has an 0 in the losses column.

Michael Tweed has a lot of thoughts to get off his chest:

Canelo only has one chance: get Floyd in the corner and empty the gas tank trying to put him away. When he is backed in a corner Floyd's movement is limited and he is vulnerable, and if Canelo doesn't get him in a corner and put away by the 5th round, then Floyd will takethe fight walking away, as Floyd just gets better as fights wear on and Canelo won't be able to sustain his energy after dropping so much weight. I was surprised to see that Floyd is actually the taller man with longer reach, which pretty well nullifies Canelo's weight advantage (they say it should be about 10lbs come fight time), so i just don't see anything from Canelo's past efforts that makes me believe his flat-footed approach will cause Floyd any real trouble. In fact, i won't be surprised if this one is a bit of a snoozer, as Canelo plods about trying to chase Floyd down and rarely finding him (the best fight on this card is Garcia vs. Mathysse which should have plenty of action for as long as it lasts).

Prediction: Mayweather by clear UD

As Matthew says:

A series of tweets from one of the best commenters on any Guardian blog, let alone the boxing blogs:

Smith vs Molina is underway. Not going to be going round-by-round for this one, but please feel free to share your thoughts via email tosteve.busfield@theguardian.com or via Twitter to @Busfield.

Brian Phee from Sydney, that's Sydney Australia I think:

Any prediction of what time the Mayweather fight will start?

Mark Crane also emails:

The main fights usually start with ring entrance about 10pm Central USA (4amBST?)

Mark's prediction is probably just about right. The main event is expected at 9pm in Vegas but depends on the earlier fights and the last-minute gamesmanship. And what time that is wherever you may happen to be is up to you to work out:

Cano wins on a split decision...

This has been an entertaining bout. Cano back to being busy and attacking. But Theophane has used the opportunity to throw some counters. It's up to the judges...

Theophane starts the ninth round well, moving forward. Cano comes back and works the body. Another close round. It was all Cano for the first three/four rounds. Theophane probably lost the ninth after a string of rounds that could've been his (or at least shared). Last round coming up....

Joe is back to explain the small size of that wager:

Theophane is no longer looking overawed and is landing some decent punches. Cano lands a few at the end of the round and is still ahead on points.

The other thought I took away from that Canelo-Mosley bout was that Canelo is a highly efficient puncher, landing a high percentage. Mayweather's greatest strength is punch avoidance. His ability to slip away from his opponent's best efforts is second-to-none. The outcome of that little matchup could be decisive.

Another close round. Cano's corner looking a little anxious.

By the way, I'm just liveblogging this early fight while prepping for the main fight, so you can expect longer round-by-round descriptions of the main event.

My other prep for the main event was re-watching Canelo vs Sugar Shane Mosley this afternoon. A good fight. Terrific effort by the 40-year-old Sugar Shane. Canelo showing what a good boxer he is. But Mayweather is a great boxer. Canelo will need to win (tonight and maybe more) to move up from good to great.

Theophane has come back strongly into this bout. More big exchanges and more blood. Cano still well ahead on points but the Brit, after a distinctly uneasy start, is looking more at home.

So, Joe is backing Alvarez. How about you?And you can share your predictions/thoughts/questions via email tosteve.busfield@theguardian.comor via Twitter to@Busfield.

My confident prediction is that a third of the tweets/emails will be asking me what time the fight starts. And another third will be asking if I know where this fight can be watched for free.

Our first tweet of the night (apart from the retweets and the ones offering free live streams of the big fight):

Well, you're not going to get rich with a ten quid bet, Joe.

Theophane again in trouble when a big right hand almost knocks him to the floor. But the Mexican fails to follow up quickly enough and Theophane escapes. The Brit then lands a big hook of his own to rock Cano. There's some blood from the Brit's nose as he lands a big right a fraction of a second after the bell. Might call that round even but Cano still well ahead.

This fight is so popular that even the celebrities are having to BUY their tickets. Imagine that.

Kevin Mitchell in Vegas writes:

If anyone doubted this was the hottest ticket in town, how about this: Magic Johnson offered promoter Richard Schaefer $8,000 for a ticket and was told, "Sorry, all gone." So, if you spot Magic in the crowd, he's into a tout for fair old whack.

Cano again advancing, Theophane again retreating. Another big Cano combination rocking the Briton again. Another round for the Mexican.

Kevin Mitchell in Las Vegas writes:

Although there is a lot of loitering still, this terrific arena already has given Ashley Theophane his biggest audience, maybe half of the 16,000 capacity. Three years ago he was boxing in front of a handful of fans at York Hall in Bethnal Green on a Sunday afternoon. He's started cagily and you can see the influence of Mayweather, with whom he has sparre 25 rounds in recent weeks. And as I write, he cops a solid whack to the mush in round three.

Instead of introducing tonight's main event, this is where the legendary ring announcer can most often be seen these days:

Two minutes into the third round a Cano hook sends Theophane rocking back. Theophane, who has never been knocked down, manages to get himself together. First three rounds to the Mexican.

The Mexican started strongly but Theophane came back in the second half of that opening round. But Cano probably edged it. A similar story in the second round, with Cano on the offensive, while the 33-year-old Brit, mentored by Floyd Mayweather, not looking outclassed. First two rounds to Cano.

The first fight of the night will be MexicanPablo Cesar Cano against Britain's Ashley Theophane. 10 rounds or less....

Good evening. Let's Get Ready to Rumble!

Sadly Michael Buffer won't be with us tonight, what with him being on HBO and tonight's bill being on Showtime. And the main fight of the night,Floyd Mayweather Jr vs SaúlCanelo Alvarez will not be on for a couple of hours.

However, we've waited for a long time for a fight this good, so a couple more hours won't hurt us, and this is a big night of boxing. A heavily-anticipated fight, the best fight we could hope for outside of Mayweather vs Pacquiao (and, maybe this one will be better than that one would), plus an excellent undercard.

We will be bringing you live round-by-round coverage of the top two fights on the bill: Mayweather vs Alvarez andLucas Matthysse vs Danny Garcia.

Kevin Mitchell is ringside in Las Vegas and will be giving us regular updates on the build-up to the big fight and analysis of the undercard.

And you can take part in this blog by sharing your thoughts via email to steve.busfield@theguardian.com or via Twitter to @Busfield.

And here'a great read to get you in the mood: "Mayweather v Alvarez and the exaggerated reports of boxing's death"

Mayweather is the defining talent of his generation, definitely its biggest star, if not its defining fighter. Pacquiao still has beaten the better and riskier opposition and has the more impressive historical marks; but with Mayweather-Alvarez, Floyd is closing the gap. It's a gap that has long frustrated boxing fans who can, in an open-minded fashion, simultaneously admire what he has accomplished in the ring, despise him personally and wish he had taken on the best available opponents.

Saturday is the first time since 2002 that Mayweather has taken on the unquestioned best possible opponent he could face. Shane Mosley, in 2010, came close, butManny Pacquiaowas better by two standards, financially and merit-wise.

Alvarez is at least the most dangerous opponent on paper since Mosley, maybe even since 2002 when he fought José Luis Castillo twice. Mosley only was able to give Mayweather a couple rounds worth of danger, in reality, and Miguel Cotto gave Mayweather a tougher overall fight, somewhat unexpectedly to most analysts.

Continue reading here.