Mayweather edges Pacquiao, cops 2014 ESPY Best Fighter plum

MANILA, Philippines – Floyd Mayweather Jr. topped rival Manny Pacquiao and other fighters in being named Best Fighter for the third straight year at the 22nd ESPY Awards on Thursday.

Mayweather, currently considered as the world’s best pound-for-pound boxer, beat fellow pugilists Pacquiao and Andre Ward, and UFC stars John Jones and Ronda Rousey for the plum.

This marks the sixth time the Las Vegas-based boxer bagged the award, copping it in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2013.

“Mayweather cruised to a majority decision over Saul Alvarez to unify the light middleweight titles. He improved to a record of 46-0 with a decisive win over Marcos Maidana,” ESPN noted in handing Mayweather the award.

The undefeated fighter, also currently the world’s top-paid athlete according to Forbes,  is scheduled to take on Maidana in a rematch in September. Boxing fans are still clamoring for him to face Pacquiao in what could potentially be the richest bout ever.

"Thank you so much to ESPN and everyone, every fan that voted. Without you guys, like I said before, I wouldn't be where I'm at," Mayweather said upon receiving the award.

The ESPY Awards is held annually to recognize the best athletic performances throughout the year. Fans, sportswriters, broadcasters, sports executives, and sports personalities pick out the nominees, with the winners determined via online fan voting.