The 5 best knockouts of Mayweather's career

Floyd Mayweather, a five-division world champion with a 49-0 career record, has built a reputation as arguably the best defensive boxer in the sport's history.

Entering Saturday's high-profile bout against mixed martial artist Conor McGregor, "Money" hasn't won by knockout since 2011, when he defeated former welterweight champion Victor Ortiz, albeit in controversial fashion.

Despite his defensive approach, Mayweather's illustrious career still includes some pretty dramatic early finishes. Here are his five best knockouts:

1997: Mayweather vs. Felipe Garcia (6th round KO)

Though not likely to be remembered by many, Mayweather's first pure knockout came as a 20-year-old in a lightweight matchup against Garcia. Prior to this fight, Mayweather had won five of his six previous contests by technical knockout.

2001: Mayweather vs. Diego Corrales (10th round TKO)

Floyd's bout against Corrales - who entered as an undefeated super-featherweight champion - is widely viewed as one of his best performances. Mayweather knocked down Corrales shortly after the fight began, and kept coming after him.

He knocked Corrales down twice more in the seventh round, and again in Round 10 - enough for Corrales' corner to stop the fight.

2003: Mayweather vs. Phillip Ndou (7th round TKO)

Mayweather completely dominated this fight against the lightweight Ndou, entering the seventh round having landed 82 percent of his punches.

Ndou certainly took some harsh blows leading up to his eventual knockout, as Mayweather preserved his WBC world lightweight title in the process.

2007: Mayweather vs. Ricky Hatton (10th round TKO)

Both Mayweather and Hatton entered this showcase bout with undefeated records. Hatton was known for his powerful, aggressive approach, as he had 31 knockouts to his name.

The matchup lived up to its competitive billing - listed as 86-84 in Mayweather's favor heading into the 10th round - and it was Money who used his power to finish it off. He got to Hatton with a vicious left hook in that 10th frame, sending him down to the mat and leaving him badly shaken. The fight was called shortly after, and Mayweather announced his first retirement six months later.

2011: Mayweather vs. Victor Ortiz (4th round KO)

One of Money's most controversial and highly debated victories came in 2011 against Ortiz, a former WBC welterweight champion.

After dominating the first three rounds, Mayweather was caught in the corner before a blatant headbutt from Ortiz resulted in a timeout. After being separated, the boxers touched gloves and Ortiz quickly hugged Mayweather while leaving himself exposed.

Mayweather then landed a shockingly aggressive left hook, catching Ortiz - and presumably everyone else - off guard. He immediately struck him a second time, knocking Ortiz out. As Mayweather defended his actions, he and longtime HBO boxing commentator Larry Merchant got into it during a post-match interview, with Mayweather telling Merchant he should be fired.

(Videos courtesy: YouTube)