Miguel Cotto by unanimous decision, Canelo Alvarez def. Alvarez has maintained that he was nowhere near his prime at that time. And the Mexican, who faces Billy Joe Saunders on May 8 with three super-middleweight. 25/50 Mayweather used every weapon from his arsenal to pressurize Saul Alvarez, and he remained fairly successful in the same. Full Spectrum Services LLP 2022 | All Rights Reserved.
Floyd Mayweather: "I fought prime Canelo" in 2013 Alvarez garnered the first win and stoppage of his career, beating Gonzalez by fourth-round TKO. There were several questions heading into Alvarez's bout with Miguel Cotto: How would Alvarez handle the pressure of a big fight coming off his first-career loss, against Mayweather?
Canelo Alvarez: Mayweather wouldn't fight me in my prime Prathamesh Singh Chauhan is a Boxing Author at EssentiallySports. This time, Money recalled that he was almost 40 years old when he faced the Mexican and beat him "easy". They offered me the fight with Floyd when I was 18 years old. They offered me $1 million. However as fate would have it, the experience of the veteran boxer came to the fore as Floyd comfortably defeated Canelo, exposing the shortcomings of the twenty-three-year-old. adoration for combat sports, he has earned a combined 3000 plus bylines over the Sergey Kovalevby 11th-round KO, Canelo Alvarez def. Abraham Gonzalez by fourth-round TKO, Dmitry Bivol def Canelo Alvarez via unanimous dec, Canelo Alvarez def. Alfonso Gomez by sixth-round TKO, Canelo Alvarez def.
Canelo Alvarez told Mike Tyson he sees first loss to Floyd Mayweather At the time I was making $5,000. The two met at light middleweight, which has a limit of 154 lbs, Mayweather had previously won titles at welterweight, super lightweight, lightweight and featherweight, down at 126 lbs. Jesus Abel Hernandez by second-round TKO, Canelo Alvarez def. R7 Grand Garden Arena on September 14, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Until today, he has a desire to rematch Money. The bout was held on September 14, 2013, in the MGM Grand Garden Arena, at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, on Showtime PPV. Fighters Francisco Villanuevaby split decision, Canelo Alvarez def. Keith Thurman. Although the Mexican boxer found success in round four, Mayweather began dominating again in the later rounds. 13/19 In a recent interview, Canelo said he would have beaten Mayweather on the night if he were fully in his prime like he is now at age 30. R8 2/11 The fight went the distance. A senior boxing writer at EssentiallySports, Raj Sarkar is a mass media graduate It's an illegal punch, but it happens. R2 The bout took place at a 152-pound catchweight, two pounds below the light middleweight limit of 154 pounds. Mayweather Jr. looked for Canelo when he was 18 years old, offered him 1 million dollars, Donald Trump to Return to CNN for Primetime Town Hall Event, Two Canadians killed while serving in Ukraine battleground of Bakhmut. Alvarez showcased improvements both offensively and defensively as he utilized his proficient counterpunching to propel him to a unanimous decision victory and the WBC middleweight championship. Floyd Mayweather was 44-0 back then, while Canelo Alvarez was 42-0-1. 16/29 Unanimous decision victory over Miguel Cotto to become middleweight champion:Nov. 21, 2015. 3/9, Canelo Alvarez Full Spectrum Services LLP 2022 | All Rights Reserved. However, the in-ring affair was far from what it looked like on paper. Whatever chance Canelo had of winning, he threw it out the window by agreeing to a 152-lb catchweight, which left him looking drained at the weigh-in. However, the unbeaten boxer looked favorable to dominate Mayweather under several parameters. How Old Was Canelo Alvarez When He Fought Floyd Mayweather Was He Too Young.
How old is Canelo Alvarez? Age, bio, record entering 2022 boxing fight Combining his bachelor's degree with his Canelo Alvarez. Ultimately, though, Alvarez's power showed it could have an effect 15 pounds above his usual fighting weight, as he knocked out Kovalev to become a four-division world champion. The electrifying matchup happened at a jam-packed MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, sending chills all around the combat world. head of Canelo Alvarez during their WBC/WBA 154-pound title fight at the MGM Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Canelo Alvarez was praised by Floyd Mayweather and Gennady - talkSPORT Alvarez, who fights Billy Joe Saunders on Saturday night, has only one loss on his professional record so far, a loss to Mayweather by majority decision in 2013. The GMA Network management announced that GMA News TV would sign-off on December 31, 2013, but the sign-off never materialized. But it was Floyd Mayweathers showdown. This is principally why hes the most improved fighter in the modern boxing world today. Francisco Villanueva by fifth-round KO, Canelo Alvarez def. R5 Although the Mexican boxer fund success in round four, Mayweather began dominating again in the later rounds. 15/27 1/17, Floyd Mayweather TBE came out blazing from the opening bell and forced Alvarez to move back. I was moving around in a truck and I had three jobs." Canelo recovering from left hand surgery@Canelo Mayweather was also a touted amateur prospect, unlucky to only win an Olympic bronze medal in 1996, while Canelo - in true Mexican style - turned professional at the grand old age of 15. 14/38 9/44 4/22
Floyd Mayweather schooled Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez so much he had time to Cinco de Mayo weekend will see him fight for the 35th time in his . 4/22 12/28 Heres a look at the stats. 6/16 23/50 head of Canelo Alvarez during their WBC/WBA 154-pound title fight at the MGM Canelos wisened trainer Eddy Reynoso advised him against taking the fight against the then prime version of Mayweather and choose to wait, which is what the popular Mexican fighter did. Pretty Boy was an unquestionable favorite in this fight. I was moving around in a truck and I had three jobs., Canelo recovering from left hand surgery@Canelo. Euri Gonzalezby 11th-round TKO, Canelo Alvarez def. 12/29, Canelo Alvarez LAS VEGAS, NV SEPTEMBER 14: (R-L) Floyd Mayweather Jr. throws a right to the 5/10 R 10 Since his only loss, the 30-year-old has fought 14 more times, winning all but one, his draw with Gennady Golovkin, and won titles at middleweight, super middleweight and even light heavyweight.
How old is Canelo Alvarez? Age, bio, record entering 2022 boxing fight At 31 years of age, Canelo stands as pound-for-pound king of boxing, and has attracted praise from many other big names in the sport. Canelo asked what would happen if he fought 'prime' Floyd Mayweather in a rematch right now, Floyd Mayweather Wins Big After Placing $10,000 Bet On Dmitry Bivol To Beat Canelo, Claims It Was 'Easy Pick Up', Floyd Mayweather expresses his desire to work with Francis Ngannou, this would be huge for boxing, Floyd Mayweather reveals true price of his cap after rumours it was a million dollars. Caleb Plant, Teofimo Lopez, Mike Tyson and Others Predict Billy Joe Saunders vs. In Mexico it will also be broadcasted by TV Azteca and Televisa. 'The Red King' Rory MacDonald. Following a 12-round scrap, Mayweather comfortably won on the judges scorecard and handed Alvarez his maiden and only pro boxing loss so far. You live, and you learn. DAZN uses cookies to help us deliver our services and improve your user experience. But it was Floyd Mayweathers showdown. Kovalev performed better than expected by utlizing the jab to perfection and havingAlvarez on the ropes. 13/30
Mayweather reacts to Canelo saying he'd beat him in his prime How old was Canelo Alvarez when he fought Mayweather - Was the Mexican boxer too young when he suffered the only loss of his career. The deal was the biggest in sports at the time (Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout would later sign an 12-year, 426.5 million deal). Canelo Alvarez came across Floyd Mayweather's invincible aura in the hardest possible way, when the two locked horns in 2013 for the WBA and WBC super welterweight titles.
As both a fighter and promoter, new stage of career begins for Canelo CANELO ALVAREZ has slammed old foe Floyd Mayweather for fighting Logan Paul, describing it as 'stupid'.
Floyd Mayweather Claims He Was Old When He Defeated Canelo Alvarez 7/22
How old was Canelo when he fought Floyd? - Vim Buzz Mayweather put his WBA super-welterweight title on the line and was 44-0 - someone's zero had to go, and on that day it was the young Canelo's. He was just 23 at the time and suggested a bit . Canelo Alvarez is one of the top boxing stars of the last few years, but since he was young, his qualities were already visible, besides, the Mexicans drag made the arenas fill up.
How old was Canelo Alvarez when he fought Mayweather - Was the Mexican 12/27 Following a 12-round scrap, Mayweather comfortably won on the judges scorecard and handed Alvarez his maiden and only pro boxing loss so far. How old is Canelo Alvarez?
Everyone has to start somewhere. 12/59 Mayweather would retire with a 50-0, but he wasn't there yet when he faced the Mexican. claimed in his prime he would knock out Mayweather out. He got that opportunity when he was featured on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s showdown with Miguel Cotto, clashingwith three-division world champion and future Hall of FamerShane Mosley. 6/23 His prime was both years before he fought Alvarez and at either 147 or 135 lbs, whereas the opposite is likely true of the Mexican. However, the in-ring affair was far from what it looked like on paper. Gabriel Martinez by retirement in the 11th-round, Canelo Alvarez def. Jeferson Luis Goncalo by ninth-round KO, Canelo Alvarez def. Amir Khan by sixth-round KO, Canelo Alvarez def. Canelo's brother: The Ryder fight won't be an easy one at all. In 2013, Floyd Mayweather went toe to toe against a young boxing prospect in Canelo Alvarez. Even after defeating Canelo, at admittedly a catchweight, 'Money' dropped down to welterweight again in his fights. Kostya Tszyu Eddy Reynoso said, In a few years, you will receive 10x that. Thats what happened, said Canelo. Canelo Alvarez came across Floyd Mayweathers invincible aura in the hardest possible way, when the two locked horns in 2013 for the WBA and WBC super welterweight titles. Mayweather didnt fight Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley, Zab Judah, and Manny Pacquiao until they were well out of their prime, and the fights were boring to watch. Both men had put their undefeated records at stake, but it was Floyd Mayweather who retained it in style. And while he was four years past the Mayweather fight when he faced a 20-year-old Canelo in September 2010, it was seen as a worthwhile hurdle for a then-wannabe superstar to clear. $One million. addition to his current role, he has worked with the MMA team at LAS VEGAS, NV SEPTEMBER 14: (L-R) Floyd Mayweather Jr. throws a right to Canelo Alvarez during their WBC/WBA 154-pound title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on September 14, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Those questions were all answered in emphatic fashion as Alvarez matured and became a more complete boxer against Cotto. I was still getting the bus; I had three jobs. Alvarez says Mayweather offered him $1 million to take the fight at the time. At the time I was making $5,000. "They offered me the fight with Floyd when I was 18 years old. Mayweather was an all-time great when he fought Canelo but Canelo's career trajectory shows how fresh he really was compared to Mayweather. 12/58 The electrifying matchup happened at a jam-packed MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, sending chills all around the combat world. R1 Today, its hard to picture Canelo Alvarez losing inside the boxing ring. 4/7 Canelo Alvarez now fits Floyd Mayweather's definition of a 'real fighter'. However, Alvarez had 30 KOs in response to Mayweathers 26. Jermall Charlo is another good boxer with decent speed and size, who can be a good foe for Canelo. Like every other site, this one uses cookies too. 7/26 The Mexican pugilists comments reached TBE and he gave his take on the same. During a heated face-to-face, Mayweather made a dig at Paul over his distasteful video in Japan about suicide and later got in a scuffle with Logan's brother Jake. Billy Joe Saunders by eighth-round RTD, Canelo Alvarez def. Since his only loss, the 30-year-old has fought 14 more times, winning all but one, his draw with Gennady Golovkin, and won titles at middleweight, super middleweight and even light. It is these elements of his game combined with his in-ring acumen that has ensured that Canelo Alvarez has 54 wins in the boxing ring, 36 by KO. Canelo Alvarez vs. John Ryder undercard for Saturday, Canelo on Mayweather: They offered me the fight when I was 18. appeared first on EssentiallySports. Mayweather Jr. looked for Canelo when he was 18 years old. He started boxing when he was 13 years old and became the Junior Mexican National Boxing Champion in 2005 at the age of 15. The Mexican champion gave an interview to DAZN where he talked about the time Money sought him out to offer him a fight. Matthew Hatton by unanimous decision, Canelo Alvarez def. 9/28 Some would say that Mayweather is an example of a cherry-picking opportunist, who spots an opportunity to make easy money against a popular novice, and then pounces like a vulture. Well, that doesnt look likely to happen, and history shall always maintain that Floyd Mayweather beat Canelo Alvarez. At the time that Mayweather fought Canelo, the young Golden Boy star was basically a. However, a 23-year-old Alvarez had little to offer against Mayweather, who walked through him and exposed his shortcomings. Francisco Villanueva by ninth-round TKO, Canelo Alvarez def. In the process, Canelo Alvarez unified the WBA (super), WBC, and Ring super middleweight titles. Moreover, if he gets inside the ring with the unbeaten Floyd Mayweather today, the 30-year-old is certainly capable of beating TBE. Errol Spence Jr Haney vs Lomachenko: Fight Card, Start Time, TV & Stream Infos, Zepeda vs Arboleda Fight Results & Highlights, Tank Davis vs Garcia Fight Results & Highlights. fter David Benavidez defeated . Topics:.css-wpf514{color:#72B97D;}Boxing, Canelo Alvarez, Floyd Mayweather, Stephen Ireland slammed by fans for 'most deluded interview ever', FA urged to hit Liverpool with a POINTS DEDUCTION after Jurgen Klopp's rant against referee Paul Tierney, Jurgen Klopp tells Liverpool fans to 'stop singing my name' after Spurs win, Fans blast Jordan Pickford over arrogant interview after Leicester vs. Everton, Jordan Pickford hilariously celebrates penalty save to deny James Maddison, fans are all saying the same thing, BREAKING: Graeme Souness leaves Sky Sports after 15 years as a pundit, Sky Sports have spoken to Martin Tyler over Heung-Min Son comment he made in Liverpool vs Spurs commentary. The future P4P king got schooled by a prime Mayweather.
Mayweather is old and he hasn't been active against professional boxers since 2015, and he's got nothing left. Its fair to say that Floyd is disingenuous by saying that Canelo was in his prime at 22 years old because he was nowhere near the fighter that fought Gennadiy Golovkin in his first two fights or in 2021 when he captured the undisputed super middleweight championship by beating Caleb Plant. NBA.
Canelo on Mayweather: "They offered me the fight when I was 18 Floyd Mayweather Sr. demonstrates what Canelo executed in Caleb Plant fight Ranking the 10 Best Fights in Canelo Alvarez's Career Until today, he has a desire to rematch Money. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images). 11/25 The arguments fans have about Mayweather was that he was bad for boxing because he focused on preserving his unbeaten record by carefully picking his opposition and fighting top guys when they werent in their prime. The fight between Alvarez and Mayweather happened at a very crucial stage of boxing. The Canelo victory took him to 45-0 where he prevailed by majority decision 114-114, 116-112, 117-111. However, the unbeaten boxer looked favorable to dominate Mayweather under several parameters. Im here to let everybody know that, as an amateur, I lost fights, said Mayweather. While Canelo is now much more experienced and has reached the age of 30, Floyd is more interested in big money fights and will be fighting Logan Paul on February 20th. Kermit Cintron by fifth-round TKO, Canelo Alvarez def. Luciano Leonel Cuelloby sixth-round TKO, Canelo Alvarez def. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Erislandy Lara
Alvarez says Mayweather offered him $1 million to take the fight at the time. Four years later, still vastly inexperienced and never having fought quality opposition, the 22-year-old. Lanardo Tyner by unanimous decision, Canelo Alvarez def. LAS VEGAS, NV SEPTEMBER 14: (L-R) Floyd Mayweather Jr. throws a right to Canelo Alvarez during their WBC/WBA 154-pound title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on September 14, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. R 3 Henry Cejudo, Josh Taylor, Conor McGregor and Others React to the Jake Paul vs Marat Khuzeev by second-round KO, Canelo Alvarez def. Alvarez's reputation was also on the line after receiving asix-month suspension for a pair of failed drug tests in February 2018, which postponed the second clash from May to September. Ryan Rhodes by 12th-round TKO, Canelo Alvarez def. Canelo Alvarez age, height, weight class, reach, titles Birth name: Santos Sal lvarez Barragn Nickname: Canelo (Cinnamon) Birthday: July 18, 1990 Age: 32 Birthplace: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico Nationality: Mexican Division: Junior Middleweight, Middleweight, Super Middleweight, Light Heavyweight Height: 5-9 Reach: 70 1/2 inches just 24 HOURS before Russian completed the deal R10 10/54 Who Wins Between Andre S.O.G. Ward & Gennadiy GGG Golovkin? Read More | A Look at Floyd Mayweathers Insanely Expensive Jewelry Collection. graduate from the International Institute of Sports Management who combines his Today, its hard to picture Canelo Alvarez losing inside the boxing ring. In Spain, the fight will also be broadcasted by DAZN. The fight between Alvarez and Mayweather happened at a very crucial stage of boxing. The views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Boxing News 24 or its affiliates. Hence, we never saw Mayweather fight any of these fighters: Tim Bradley Unfortunately for Canelo, it didnt end well for him, as he was taken to school by the 36-year-old Mayweather, losing a twelve round majority decision by the scores 114114, 116112, and 117111. Miguel Vazquez by unanimous decision, Canelo Alvarez def. Trotman/Golden Boy/Golden Boy via Getty Images). Alvarez, 32, has been boxing professionally since he was 15 years old. 19/46 11/17 Canelo Alvarez and his extravagant fortune in exclusive watches and racehorses, Canelo is inspiration and reason for boxer to come out of retirement, Canelo Alvarez goes nuclear on Mexican government for lack of athlete support: "They steal everything", Oscar de la Hoya names Canelo's unbeatable rival, John Ryder warns Saul "Canelo" Alvarez: 'Only rematch you're having in September is with me'. Canelo is just 31 years old. "It's crazy that he said that because when Canelo fought me, he was in his prime and when I fought [him], I was an old man," the undefeated boxer said. It's a career trail that was blazed by Floyd Mayweather and is . Callum Smith by unaminous decision, Canelo Alvarez def. At the time Canelo was 18 years old, and although the offer of $1 million was tempting, he passed it up. 11/34 last two years. Heres a broader look into the fight. Well, that doesnt look likely to happen, and history shall always maintain that Floyd Mayweather beat Canelo Alvarez.
Lovemore N'dou by unanimous decision, Canelo Alvarez def. Being the younger athlete, the Mexican star was actually the favorite. Some fans feel that Mayweather was little more than a potshot fighter with an amateur, point-scoring style. 1The GMA News TV telecast ceased commercial operations due to high airtime cost with live coverage via satellite feed of Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Canelo lvarez, part of GMA News TV ceased broadcasting operations due to the network's "disappointing" development. Canelo added that Eddy Reynoso advised him to let the opportunity pass, that fights with better purses would come later, and they did.
What if Canelo Alvarez and Floyd Mayweather Jr. had a rematch at 160 If we are magically scaling down Mayweather and Canelo, the comparison needs to be with prime Mayweather back . 1/26 Prior to his mega-celebrity boxing clash against YouTube star Logan Paul, Floyd Mayweather was asked about his thoughts on Canelo Alvarez's May 2021 fight against Billy Joe Saunders in an interview. Unidad Editorial Informacin Deportiva, S.L.U. Gennadiy Golovkin by majority decision, Canelo Alvarez def. its official @FloydMayweatherhttps://t.co/fFRRaYoUCs pic.twitter.com/0kZhKrQAno. Vctor Marquez by fourth-round KO, Canelo Alvarez def. In the first 40 fights of his career, Alvarez hadn't really faced a name fighter that would resonate with the American audience. A then 36-year-old Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs) defeated a 22-year-old Canelo by a 12 round majority decision eight years ago in 2013 in a fight that took place at a 152-lb catch-weight at the time. Sven-Goran Eriksson reveals he told Roman Abramovich to buy Chelsea and NOT Tottenham because he only needed to replace 'half a team'. Undoubtedly he is now in his prime and fighting at his best weight, super middle, is more than 30 lbs heavier than where Mayweather was for his, at 14 lbs heavier than the limit for their fight. Pedro Lopez by first-round KO, Canelo Alvarez def. Michel Rosales by 10th-round TKO, Canelo Alvarez def. Larry Mosley by unanimous decision, Canelo Alvarez def. _taboola.push({flush: true}); Privacy Statement l TOS & Cookies Policy l Back To Top l Contact Us. 4/26 ADVERTISEMENT Given that he was deep in training for his clash with the 26 . Shane Mosley by unanimous decision, Canelo Alvarez def. 15/38, Canelo Alvarez In Spain, the fight will also be broadcasted by DAZN. The 32 year old four-weight World Champion fights for the 63rd time of his storied career as he closes in on 18 years as a pro. While everything will depend on the duration of the pre-fight fights, it is estimated that Canelo Alvarez will step into the ring around 22:00 local time (midnight Eastern United States, 1:00 Sunday in Argentina and 6:00 in Spain).
Mayweather Jr. looked for Canelo when he was 18 years old, offered him I was moving around in a truck and I had three jobs.". Canelo added that Eddy Reynoso advised him to let the opportunity pass, that fights with better purses would come later, and they did. Floyd Mayweather's history with Canelo Alvarez Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez have had beef in the past, so this might partly explain why the 45-year-old bet against the Mexican. 10/19 TBE came out blazing from the opening bell and forced Alvarez to move back. And his thigh was bruised. 1/24 Floyd, on the other hand, was 13 years his senior and had been through a lot of battles by this stage of his career. [3], The fight was won by Mayweather in a 12-round majority decision in front of a sold out crowd of 16,746. 26/49
You have entered an incorrect email address! In Austin Trout by unanimous decision, Canelo Alvarez def.
Canelo Alvarez wants rematch with Floyd Mayweather Add in the fight could be at 160 pounds we could . . A fight with Canelo Alvarez still ranks among Floyd Mayweathers best performances to date. The bout was held on September 14, 2013, in the MGM Grand Garden Arena, at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, on Showtime PPV. Mexico's Saul Canelo Alvarez will fight England's John Ryder on Saturday, May 6. We never got to see the best version of Canelo fight Floyd. In hindsight, it was inexperience on Canelos part to agree to the catchweight because he could have gotten the fight if he had held firm at 154 or even requested that it take place at 160, which is what he should have done. Trotman/Golden Boy/Golden Boy via Getty Images). Who Wins Between Andre S.O.G. Ward & Gennadiy GGG Golovkin? They offered me $1 million. Raul Pinzon by first-round TKO, Canelo Alvarez def. IM BACK! Unidad Editorial Informacin Deportiva, S.L.U. And while there was a lot of hype surrounding Canelo Alvarez going into the fight, he was only a 23-year-old youngster at that time. Mayo The Mexican champion gave an interview to DAZN where he talked about the time "Money" sought him out to offer him a fight. Watch This Story: Top 5 Best Selling PPV Fights of Floyd Mayweathers Boxing Career.
Boxing: Mike Tyson reveals which current boxer would defeat Canelo Boxing News 24 Floyd Mayweather: I fought prime Canelo in 2013. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; Whilst Canelo looks to add yet another super middleweight title to his name this weekend, against BJS, Mayweather is now involved in all the more uglier scenes. Rocky Fielding by third-round TKO, Canelo Alvarez def. . Ross retired after this fight, after the scorecards were roundly criticized for not reflecting how dominant Mayweather's performance was. The fight wouldnt have gone the distance if it were a prime Mayweather, said Floyd Mayweather Jr to @BetOnline_ag. Mayweather. It all started when Canelo, who is arguably the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world right now, claimed he would have beaten Mayweather had he fought him in his prime.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Canelo lvarez - Wikipedia R 12, Floyd Mayweather Because when Canelo fought me, he was in his prime.
How Old Was Canelo Alvarez When He Fought Floyd Mayweather - Was He Too Given the age differences, one could agree that Alvarez was far too young. Mexican star Canelo Alvarez came in at 152 pounds at the official pre-fight weigh-in Friday, delighting a rabid crowd of about 12,000 that packed the MGM Arena in Las Vegas to watch.