Floyd Mayweather stopped Conor McGregor on his feet, against the ropes, in the 10th round of their Las Vegas extravaganza.

Mayweather extended his record-breaking career to 50-0 at the expense of the debuting UFC superstar who was tough, but ultimately out-skilled.

The 40-year-old now plans to continue working with the fighters signed to his Mayweather Promotions stable.

"Rocky Marciano was a legend and I just look forward to going in the Hall of Fame someday, This was my last fight tonight, for sure. Tonight I chose the right dance partner to dance with. ‘I did walk away from the sport before. I didn’t have to come back” said Mayweather.

"If I see an opportunity to make $300m or $350m in 36 minutes, why not? But this is the last one. You guys have my word. I had a great career. I can’t complain about anything. ‘You won’t see me in the ring no more. Any guy who calls me out, forget it!”

The American registered his first stoppage since toppling Victor Ortiz in 2011 as he surpassed the 1950s heavyweight Rocky Marciano to further establish himself as an all-time boxing great.

McGregor had started the fight impressively but faded and, being forced backwards for two rounds, was eventually pummelled by a barrage of unanswered shots forcing referee Robert Byrd to intervene. Agencies

"I would have liked the ref to let me keep going,” McGregor said afterwards. "I was a little fatigued, early on I thought it was handy, I have to give it to him.”

The first significant punch was a slick uppercut by McGregor that answered questions about his skills and Mayweather’s chin despite his two-year retirement. His hubris was quickly evident, as he put his hands behind his back to goad his more experienced rival.

McGregor certainly looked the part in the opening rounds, definitely winning his fair share, although his feet and reflexes dipped in the fourth and fifth. As five-division world champion Mayweather began finding a home for his right hand, he ended the fifth round by spitefully shoving McGregor back to his corner.

McGregor’s holding was being punished more and more frequently and he spent periods of the sixth round going backwards as Mayweather’s fast hands flashed past his guard.

Agencies