Mayweather-Alvarez fight sets pay-per-view record

LAS VEGAS. More than 16 000 spectators paid just over $20 million to watch Floyd Mayweather fight Saul Alvarez last weekend.Officials said in Las Vegas on Thursday the bout for Alvarez’s WBC and WBA light-middleweight titles drew the biggest gate in history in Nevada.A total of 16 146 tickets were sold for the bout at the MGM Grand Garden arena at an average of almost $1 240 per ticket.State boxing commission executive Keith Kizer said the total eclipsed the $18.4 million earned from 17 000 tickets for Mayweather’s super-welterweight victory over Oscar de la Hoya at the MGM Grand in May 2007.It was reported last week that celebrities had trouble getting seats for “Money” Mayweather’s bout against the young Mexican star. Some tickets sold online for $29 000.Mayweather, who won on a split decision, earned a guaranteed $41.5 million and Alvarez earned $5 million. Only 50 complimentary tickets were distributed, and pay-per-view buys were expected to top $100 million.