In a mid-bout referee switch during an exhibition fight rematch in Mexico, Floyd Mayweather easily defeated John Gotti III.
In June 2023, Mayweather’s debut fight against Gotti, the grandson of New York mobster John Gotti, turned into a farce when a huge riot in the ring caused the contest to be interrupted in the sixth round.
The fight on Saturday night in Mexico City was on the verge of a similar outcome when Mexican official Alfredo Uruzquieta replaced Panamanian referee Hector Afu in the second round.
Mayweather’s comments were reported to have infuriated Afu when the referee ruled that the American’s left hook on Gotti was unlawful.
Mayweather, 47, continued to dominate Gotti when the fight resumed and the lack of punches thrown from Gotti drew boos from the 22,000-strong crowd in the Mexican capital.
Gotti’s attack improved in the fourth round following the crowd’s boos but Mayweather rarely looked troubled and remained on top throughout.
A formal winner was not declared and the result does not count towards either fighter’s career record.
Mayweather retired in 2017 with an unbeaten career record in his 50 fights.
He has continued to fight in exhibitions, most notably against Logan Paul.