Floyd Mayweather has undoubtedly relaxed more since entering the exhibition circuit in 2017, which showed during his latest effort.
Facing John Gotti III in a rematch, this time in Mexico City after their Florida brawl in 2023, Mayweather took heat for a ‘WWE stunt’ in the second round. In what was clearly pre-planned, Mayweather threw the referee out of the fight and brought in a new official after a disagreement with a call.
While some enjoyed the switch-up, others blasted Mayweather for bringing arranged entertainment mid-fight. Nothing really changed once the circus was over and the new ref came in. Some fans expressed their dislike despite the exhibition’s status.
Mayweather dominated the fight from start to finish and played with Gotti the entire time. Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez embraced Mayweather in the ring in the aftermath. ‘Money’ had previously denied a social media post by Chavez stating the pair could meet on September 16 in Las Vegas.
When asked about the possibility, the American legend looked bemused during the fight build-up.
“The father or the son or both in one night? What? Do they want me to use one hand? I could use no hands,” he joked.
Whatever the case, some collaboration with Chavez could be on the cards after the Mexican fans warmly welcomed Mayweather.
A new one, even for Floyd.
🎥 @DAZNBoxing#MayweatherGotti
pic.twitter.com/q8IQle6mWf— World Boxing News (@WorldBoxingNews) August 25, 2024
An opponent for Mayweather’s next fight could already be signed and sealed. Victor Ortiz, who lost his World Boxing Council welterweight title to Mayweather in 2011, was initially supposed to be the opponent on Saturday night.
WBN understands that Ortiz needed more time due to the massive amount of weight he had to lose, so he wanted a warm-up exhibition instead. Ortiz got that opportunity in the co-main event against Damian Coria. The fight lasted eight rounds, and Ortiz got much-needed sessions in the bank.
The former 147-pound star could be ready for Mayweather by the end of the year or early 2025 and see another exhibition event staged in front of the Mexican contingent.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
