Your support helps us to tell the story
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
It is the richest fight in boxing history after all.
Here is the extraordinary diamond-encrusted WBC belt which cost more than $1m to create that the winner of Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao will take home after their long-awaited welterweight contest in Las Vegas on 2 May.
In a statement the WBC said: "This exquisite masterpiece is especially designed by the World Boxing Council, for a unique bout that is already gracing the pages of boxing history.
"In order to appropriately recognise the winner of this titanic and epic event on May 2, emeralds have triumphed.
"The World Boxing Council is very grateful to the multitude of fans that participated in this process, voting on our web page, to choose the historic belt Mayweather or Pacquiao will proudly possess."
The combined purse for the bout is expected to top $300m (£201m), with Mayweather receiving a 60/40 favour of the split.
Unbeaten Mayweather, 38, is an 11-time, five-weight world champion, while the Filipino Pacquiao, 36, has won versions of the world title at a record eight different weights.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments