Mayweather sees off Guerrero

Floyd Mayweather beat Robert Guerrero on points in Las Vegas to retain his WBC welterweight title and improve his career record to 44-0

Floyd Mayweather Jr celebrates his victory
Floyd Mayweather Jr celebrates his victory

Mayweather, returning after a year's absence, won a unanimous decision 117-111 after taking control of the fight early and punishing Guerrero in the later rounds.

Guerrero at least started strong as he landed a series of blows with his left, pushing the 36-year-old Mayweather back on to the ropes in the second round.

But by the third round Mayweather had taken control as he started to land some more damaging blows.

The reigning champion was setting the tempo while Guerrero battled hard with little reward.

By the eighth inning, Guerrero was showing clear damage about the eye and it soon opened into a cut.

That prompted another burst of energy from the 30-year-old as he tried to find a way back into the fight, but Mayweather had an answer for everything.

It was Guerrero's second defeat as a professional, dropping his record to 31-2.

"We did it again," said Mayweather. "I take my hat off to Robert Guerrero. He's a true warrior.

"I feel bad I didn't get the knockout that the fans wanted. I was still trying to go for the knockout but it didn't happen."

Mayweather also paid tribute to his father and trainer, Floyd Mayweather Snr, adding: "I needed my father tonight. My defense was on point and he told me to stick with my defence and that the less you get hit the longer you last."

Guerrero said: "I landed some good shots on him, but he's a great fighter. He's slick and quick."