6 of the best boxing PPV performances since 2000

Various forms of pay-per-view (PPV) have been part of boxing for decades. The first variation was that of closed circuit, also known as theatre television. Fights such as "The Rumble in the Jungle" and "The Thrilla in Manila" were shown on the platform.

For a period, boxing was shown primarily on network television. It was featured on channels like ABC and NBC to broad audiences, similar to the National Football League, National Basketball Association, and Major League Baseball today.

Since the late 1970s and 1980s, premium cable networks such as HBO and Showtime have been involved in boxing, and most of the sport's most significant bouts have occurred on PPV.

Headlining a PPV as the main event puts enormous pressure on a fighter. From dealing with another level of media obligations and balancing time in training camp to ensure you are in the best possible shape.

A fight won on the undercard or in front of a small crowd with little fanfare can still carry significance. But winning and being able to perform when the lights are at their brightest and when the stakes are at their highest separates the good from the great fighters.

"You have this kid who is under a lot of pressure," stated six-division world champion Oscar De La Hoya to HBO in 2007 before his mega-fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. "Will he rise to the occasion? Or will he be crushed because the lights are too bright?"

In Mayweather's case, he came out with a victory over De La Hoya and became one of the highest-grossing PPV fighters in history, setting numerous records. 

We'll look at six of the best performances by fighters who headlined PPVs since the turn of the century.

This isn't necessarily a ranking. Instead, a list that provides some acknowledgment and recognition to fighters who performed at their best when all eyes were on them.