The boxing world was left in a state of uproar after Floyd Mayweather’s controversial knockout of Victor Ortiz on September 17, 2011. The incident not only sparked debates among fans and analysts but also led to a heated exchange between Mayweather and HBO journalist Larry Merchant.
During the fourth round of the fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Victor Ortiz, known for his aggressive fighting style, landed an intentional headbutt on Mayweather. The referee, Joe Cortez, stepped in to penalize Ortiz for the foul, deducting a point. In an attempt to apologize, Ortiz hugged Mayweather and extended his gloves. Mayweather seemed to accept the apology, but as soon as they separated, he took advantage of Ortiz’s dropped guard. Mayweather quickly landed a left hook followed by a right hand, knocking Ortiz out and securing the victory.
This sudden knockout was met with mixed reactions. Critics accused Mayweather of unsportsmanlike conduct, arguing that he took advantage of Ortiz’s moment of sportsmanship and distraction. They believed that Mayweather should have waited for Ortiz to be fully prepared before resuming the fight. Supporters of Mayweather, however, pointed out that the cardinal rule in boxing is to “protect yourself at all times.” According to them, Ortiz’s lapse in focus was his own fault, and Mayweather’s punches, though controversial, were within the rules.
After the bout, Mayweather addressed the situation in an interview with HBO’s Larry Merchant. Mayweather stated, “In the ring, you have to protect yourself at all times. After it happened, we touched gloves and we were back to fighting, and then I threw the left hook and right hand after the break. You just gotta protect yourself at all times.”
However, the interview quickly took a sharp turn. Mayweather, feeling that Merchant had been unfair to him throughout his career, lashed out, saying, “I’m going to do you a favor and let you talk to Victor Ortiz because you’ve never given me a fair shake. You ain’t s***.” Merchant, unfazed by Mayweather’s outburst, retorted, “If I was 50 years younger, I would kick your ass,” before turning to interview Ortiz.
Victor Ortiz also shared his perspective on the controversial ending. He expressed his disappointment, stating, “I took a break by the referee and I obeyed exactly what I was told. And then, boom, he blindsided me. I’m not a dirty fighter and I apologize for the headbutt.”
This incident continues to be one of the most debated moments in boxing history. On one hand, it showcased Mayweather’s opportunistic fighting style and his ability to capitalize on his opponent’s mistakes. On the other hand, it raised questions about sportsmanship and the ethical boundaries in boxing.
The clash between Mayweather and Merchant added another layer to the controversy, highlighting the tension between the boxer and the media. Merchant’s comment, “If I was 50 years younger, I would kick your ass,” became an iconic moment in sports broadcasting, reflecting the deep emotions and strong opinions surrounding the fight.
