Floyd Mayweather 'Fires' Referee in Middle of Exhibition Fight in Mexico

The first fight between Mayweather and Gotti III ended in the sixth round and led to several brawls outside the ring.

August 25, 2024
Floyd Mayweather attending a weigh-in.
(Photo by Medios y Media/Getty Images)

Floyd Mayweather fired the referee officiating his boxing match against John Gotti III all because he didn't like a call that was made against him.

On Saturday, Mayweather took on Gotti III in an exhibition fight in Mexico City, and at one point in the second round, the undefeated boxer threw what Gotti III claimed was a rabbit punch or an illegal strike to the back of the head.

As soon as referee Hector Afu gave out a penalty for the punch, Mayweather got upset and told him to leave the ring. Mayweather waved Afu off several times before the ref began talking back to him. However, he was eventually replaced by another official.

The friction between Mayweather and Afu seemed to be the only real action of the night, as the fight with Gotti III didn't have any memorable moments, such as recorded knockdowns or punch combos. Granted, the fight was an exhibition, so there was no official winner. However, fans wanted to see a fight, and they let their feelings be known by booing Mayweather and Gotti III throughout the fight.

The first fight between Mayweather and Gotti III took place last year but ended abruptly in the sixth round after several brawls broke out as a result of Gotti III getting disqualified for holding Mayweather.

Fans did get a glimpse of Los Angeles Lakers star forward Anthony Davis, who walked Mayweather to the ring on Saturday night. The 2020 NBA champion was rumored to be joined by his Olympic teammate Anthony Edwards, but he wasn't spotted in the venue.

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