Kenny Bayless has been appointed referee for the fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas on May 2nd.
Bayless, a veteran of more than 100 title contests, has overseen five of Mayweather’s bouts and has been present seven times with Pacquiao.
The 64-year-old Nevada resident was referee for their points victories over Shane Mosley, one of the rivals' five common foes.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission has also appointed a trio of American judges for the clash at the MGM Grand in Dave Moretti and Burt Clements of Nevada and Glenn Feldman of Connecticut.
“Kenny knows the pressure, stress and responsibility,” the NSAM director Robert Bennett said.
“He’s efficient and effective and has proven to be successful over a number of years, working in Las Vegas and other parts of the world. He’s one of the best referees in the world.”
Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach gave his backing to the appointment of Bayless. "I think we have the best judges and Kenny Bayless is the best referee out there. I think he's going to give us a fair fight," Roach said.
The eagerly awaited welterweight collision will see Mayweather place his WBA and WBC titles on the line, while Pacquiao will be risking his WBO belt.
The fight is expected to gross between £266m and £332m, with Mayweather in line to earn £100m and Pacquiao in the region of £66m, according to Forbes.
Guardian Services
