Floyd Mayweather schools Canelo Alvarez
LAS VEGAS - He was a round away from another impressive victory, but Floyd Mayweather Jr. still needed his picture taken.
Late in Saturday's 11th round, the 36-year-old turned towards the ringside photographers and posed for the cameras. Saul "Canelo" Alvarez waited just a few feet away but Mayweather proved that he had nothing to worry about en route to a majority decision.
He kept the young Mexican at bay all night with a smooth jab before making him pay with his right hand. Thought to be the biggest threat to Mayweather's throne, Alvarez stood little chance and dropped his his light middleweight titles in defeat at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Mayweather was able to move Alvarez from the middle of the ring to against the ropes late midway through round 10. From there, Mayweather connected with a swift combination to his opponent's face.
Alvarez, although tired, was able to rally and force Mayweather into his own corner. But it was short lived and the round ended with both fighters jawing at each other.
The 11th round was much of the same, as Mayweather baited Alvarez before slugging him with his right hand. Again, Alvarez rallied. But his attack could not slow Mayweather.
Mayweather connected with a right hand to Alvarez's face early in round five. He avoided the brunt of Alvarez' attack throughout the rest of the round before Mayweather connected on a straight right.
The fighters exchanged hooks in the sixth, with Mayweather's right hand getting the better of the tussle. Mayweather continued to time Canelo's shots, setting the Mexican up for right hand blows throughout the round.
Alvarez, behind on the scorecards, fought desperately in the seventh round. He missed with a few wild rights, once again giving Mayweather an easy target. Mayweather backed his foe into the corner, sized him up for a few jabs before Alvarez escaped.
Midway through round eight, Alvarez's offense began to click. He backed Mayweather into the ropes and attacked with an uppercut. He continued to force Mayweather into the ropes but failed to fully take advantage of the opportunity.
Contact Matt Breen at mbreen@phillynews.com and @matt_breen on Twitter.