Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. works out at a gym in Las Vegas 1 May 2007

American Floyd Mayweather, Junior has won a 12-round split decision against countryman Oscar De la Hoya for the World Boxing Council super-welterweight championship.

Two of three judges gave Mayweather the win in Saturday's bout in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather was scored 116-112 and 115-113 by two judges, and De la Hoya was scored 115-113 by the third.

The 30-year-old Mayweather's superior defensive skills and speed came in handy as he moved up a weight class to fight the popular De la Hoya.

Mayweather's victory gives him a championship in five different weight classes and

Boxer Oscar De La Hoya acknowledges the crowd chanting his name as he arrives at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas 1 May 2007

improves his undefeated record to 38 victories with 24 knockouts. De la Hoya's record drops to 38 wins against five losses.

Mayweather is considered by many to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.