In the world of boxing, few names shine as brightly as Floyd Mayweather’s. Known for his impeccable defense and strategic prowess, Mayweather has enjoyed a storied career filled with countless victories. However, even the mightiest can fall, and recently, a shocking incident rocked the boxing community. In an unexpected turn of events, Mayweather was taken down by John Gotti III in the 8th round of an exhibition match, causing the undefeated champion to lose a staggering $35 million. Adding to the drama, Victor Ortiz, a former opponent of Mayweather, couldn’t contain his amusement and revealed that he once planned to get back at Floyd for using dirty tactics to defeat him.
The bout between Mayweather and Gotti III was supposed to be a mere exhibition, a display of skill rather than a fierce competition. However, it quickly turned into a spectacle of shock and disbelief. In the 8th round, Gotti III unleashed a flurry of punches that caught Mayweather off guard, leading to an unexpected knockdown. The boxing world was stunned. How could a fighter of Mayweather’s caliber be floored in such a manner?
The aftermath of the match was filled with chatter and speculation. Fans and analysts alike pointed out that Mayweather’s famed “special tactic” seemed to have failed him this time. Mayweather, who is known for his ability to read opponents and avoid heavy blows, appeared to be vulnerable, and the loss was a bitter pill to swallow.
Amidst the buzz, Victor Ortiz, a boxer who faced Mayweather in 2011, couldn’t hide his glee. Ortiz had a history with Mayweather that was mired in controversy. During their match, Mayweather knocked out Ortiz with a controversial punch while Ortiz was apologizing for an earlier headbutt. Many in the boxing community viewed Mayweather’s move as unsportsmanlike, and Ortiz never forgot it.
In a candid interview following the Gotti III match, Ortiz revealed, “I couldn’t help but laugh when I heard Floyd got taken down. It was poetic justice. I remember how he used those dirty tactics against me. I’ve always wanted to get back at him for that.” Ortiz’s comments added fuel to the fire, painting a picture of a long-standing grudge and the complex relationships within the boxing world.
Ortiz continued, “You know, Floyd is a great fighter, no doubt. But sometimes, karma catches up with you. He’s always been so confident, so untouchable. Seeing him on the canvas, losing all that money, it just felt like the universe balancing the scales.”
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the nature of boxing and the fine line between strategy and sportsmanship. While Mayweather’s legacy remains intact, the match with Gotti III serves as a reminder that even the greatest can falter. For Victor Ortiz and many others, it was a moment of vindication, a glimpse into the human side of a sport often dominated by larger-than-life personas.
As the boxing world moves forward, the knockdown will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion for years to come. Mayweather’s fall from grace in this exhibition match has shown that in the ring, anything can happen, and no one is invincible. And for Ortiz, it was a moment of sweet satisfaction, a chance to see a personal score settled in the most unexpected way.
