The road to the Pacquiao-Mayweather ‘Fight of the Century’

2011: Pacquiao dominates, Mayweather convicted of charges

Shane Mosley of the US falls down after being punched by Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines (L) in their bout for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title at the Garden Arena in the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 7, 2011. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS

In May, Pacquiao returns to the MGM Grand Garden Arena as he gets a crack at one of Mayweather’s previous opponent in Shane Mosely. He gains the nod of all three judges to retain the WBO welterweight title.

Mayweather, meanwhile, scores a highly-controversial fourth-round knockout over Victor Ortiz to win the WBC welterweight title in September. Mayweather takes advantage of an unguarded Ortiz, who is looking at the referee with his hands down, and connects with a solid right hand to Ortiz face.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. celebrates after defeating Victor Ortiz by fourth round knockout during their WBC welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on September 17, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP

Pacquiao and his nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez met for the third time in the ring in another close and controversial fight. The Filipino boxing champion bags the victory by majority decision, but the win is later on criticized by some fans as “robbery.”

Eight-time world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao (L) of the Philippines and Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez (R) pose for the media for the start of a series of a four-city international media tour of their November 12 bout. AFP PHOTO / JAY DIRECTO

Before the year ends, Mayweather is sentenced to serve 90 days in the county jail after pleading guilty to reduced battery domestic violence charge involving his ex-girlfriend.

REFRESH YOUR MEMORY:

• Pacquiao melts Mosley into America’s Sugar Shame
• Mayweather didn’t win fair and square vs Ortiz, says INQUIRER.net poll
• Pacquiao edges Marquez, retains WBO crown
• Mayweather sentenced to 90 days in jail