Floyd Mayweather has opened up about why he chose to fight in Mexico as the boxing legend prepares to face John Gotti III for the second time.
The pair undertook a controversial first meeting in 2023 when referee Kenny Bayless decided to disqualify Gotti. This action resulted in a full-scale arena riot, with many people – including celebrities – injured in the unrest.
That hasn’t stopped Mayweather from wanting to battle Gotti again.
Taking the fight to Mexico initially raised eyebrows, but Mayweather says he’s always respected the fighting country and wanted to give the fans a glimpse of his talents up close.
“It’s always great to fight where there are a lot of fight fans, and we know that Mexico loves boxing,” said Mayweather. Mexico has a history of great champions, and the love of boxing in Mexico is truly unbelievable.
“I have had so many chances to visit and vacation in Mexico, but I’ve never had the chance to fight there. Throughout my career as an amateur and a professional, I have had the chance to face so many legendary and tough opponents from Mexico.
“On the flip side, now I’m going to Mexico, where I truly believe that there will be crazy fans and the outcome will be unbelievable. I look forward to going to Mexico and putting on a show.”
Floyd Mayweather to showcase talent in Mexico
On what he plans for the fans, Mayweather added, “It’s kind of good to just showcase my talent and give people a glimpse of what I was doing when I was at the height of my career.
“When I was at the pinnacle of my career. Just being able to travel the world and put on shows, put on exhibition bouts, and still sell out arenas is a great feeling.”
Mayweather and Gotti went face-to-face at a Times Square press conference on Thursday ahead of a clash in Mexico on August 24. DAZN will televise the event, which is backed up by Mayweather’s former opponent, Victor Ortiz.
Ortiz fights Damian Coria in an eight-round move-around with a view to Floyd Mayweather trading blows with the winner in his next outing. Also on the bill, Mayweather keeps a Mexico theme with WBC Super Bantamweight Silver Champion David Picasso [28-0-1, 16 KOs] defending his title against the seasoned former world title challenger, Azat Hovhanisyan [21-4, 17 KOs].
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.
