Sport

Mayweather hints at Pacquiao

FLOYD Mayweather offered some hope that his long-awaited

showdown with Manny Pacquaio might eventually take place after beating Argentinian slugger Marcos Maidana by unanimous decision in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

The 37-year-old American's professional record was extended to 47-0, while Maidana's slipped to 35-5 as Mayweather retained his WBA and WBC welterweight titles as well as the WBC light-middleweight belt.

The judges scored the 12-round bout 115-112, 116-111 and 116-111 and afterwards Mayweather said: "I'm going to talk to my team and if the Pacquaio fight presents itself, let's make it happen."

Pound-for-pound king Mayweather edged the opening three rounds against Maidana despite hitting the canvas in the first, as he allowed Maidana the middle of the ring but used his feet to get the fight on his own terms.

Mayweather did not have the entire crowd in his corner at the MGM Grand, with plenty of Argentinian support for the challenger.

And Mayweather showed signs of frustration in round eight, claiming Maidana had bitten him on the glove, forcing referee Kenny Bayless to separate the pair.

But it would be as close as Maidana came to upsetting the undefeated champion, as Mayweather comfortably negotiated the final rounds.

Mayweather was given one of his sternest tests of his career in their first encounter in May, but weathered an early storm before coming on strong down the stretch to record.

* ON THE MONEY: Floyd Mayweather (right) and Marcos Maidana during their world title fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday night