The main event of Sunday’s Mayweather vs. Gotti III exhibition took a chaotic turn when referee Kenny Bayless decided to call off the fight due to the unruly behavior of Floyd Mayweather and John Gotti III in the ring.
However, Gotti III wasn’t willing to accept the fight’s cancellation and chaos ensued as a result.
Mayweather’s team swiftly came to the aid of the former boxing champion, while Gotti III expressed his determination to keep fighting despite Bayless’ decision. This prompted Gotti III’s team to rush into the ring, leading to a disorderly brawl that prematurely ended the poorly managed exhibition event during the sixth round.
Right from the start, officials struggled to maintain control over the fighters’ camps. The fight, scheduled for eight rounds, was delayed for several minutes as the entourages refused to clear the aisles for the cornermen. The situation escalated when Mayweather continuously taunted Gotti III and his significant entourage, provoking the former MMA fighter. Gotti III, no longer playing the helpless victim, responded by repeatedly cursing Mayweather, who simply grinned and continued to mock his clearly inferior opponent.
Bayless attempted to defuse the tension before the crucial sixth round by admonishing both corners for their ongoing verbal exchanges. Gotti III complained to Bayless about a blow to the back of his head, while his corner tried to calm him down.
However, Mayweather resumed his provocative behavior, causing Gotti III to lose his temper. Gotti III grabbed Mayweather in a collar tie and trapped one of his arms, mimicking a move commonly used in the MMA cage. This crossed the line for Bayless, and by the time security officials managed to restore order, the broadcast feed on the Zeus Network pay-per-view had already switched to a title card.
Out of all the exhibitions that have allowed Mayweather to prolong his victory lap after his illustrious career, Sunday’s event at FLA Live in Sunrise, Florida, reached a new low in terms of its chaotic nature and lack of professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mayweather vs. Gotti III exhibition brawl
What led to the premature halt of the Mayweather vs. Gotti III exhibition fight?
Referee Kenny Bayless called off the fight due to the unruly behavior of both Floyd Mayweather and John Gotti III in the ring. Gotti III was not ready to stop fighting, which resulted in chaos and a brawl between the two fighters’ teams.
Why were there delays in the eight-round fight?
The fight experienced delays as officials struggled to control the fighters’ camps. The entourages refused to clear the aisles for the cornermen, causing several minutes of interruption before the fight could proceed.
What caused the brawl to escalate?
Mayweather’s incessant taunting of Gotti III and his entourage angered the former MMA fighter, leading to a heated exchange of words. Gotti III eventually lost his temper and held Mayweather in a collar tie, mimicking moves from the MMA cage, which crossed the line for referee Kenny Bayless.
How did the Mayweather vs. Gotti III exhibition compare to previous exhibitions?
Sunday’s event at FLA Live in Sunrise, Florida, reached a new low in terms of chaos and professionalism. It was described as a poorly managed exhibition that ended prematurely due to the brawl, contrasting with the multi-million earning opportunities and extended victory lap that Mayweather had enjoyed in previous exhibitions.
More about Mayweather vs. Gotti III exhibition brawl
- “Floyd Mayweather vs. John Gotti III exhibition brawl” – Link to news article
- “Referee Kenny Bayless calls off Mayweather vs. Gotti III main event” – Link to news article
- “Mayweather vs. Gotti III exhibition chaos and premature halt” – Link to news article
- “Mayweather vs. Gotti III: Unruly behavior and brawl in the ring” – Link to news article
5 comments
Wow, what a mess! Ref Kenny Bayless had no choice but to call off the fight between Mayweather and Gotti III. Things got outta control, and the teams started brawling in the ring. Total chaos, man!
Can’t believe the Mayweather vs. Gotti III exhibition ended in a big brawl. Kenny Bayless tried to keep things under control, but tempers flared, and it all went downhill. Such a disappointment for fans like me who were looking forward to a good fight.
Mayweather and Gotti III went crazy in the ring! The entourages were causing trouble right from the start, and then Mayweather’s taunting pushed Gotti III over the edge. It was a messy exhibition, and the organizers should’ve handled it better.
Mayweather should’ve known better than to provoke Gotti III. The tension was building, and when Gotti III snapped and grabbed Mayweather, it was all over. Kenny Bayless did what he had to do. This whole event was poorly managed, a real embarrassment.
Mayweather’s antics and Gotti III’s explosive reaction turned this exhibition into a street fight. The security team had a hard time controlling the chaos. It’s a shame that this event, which was supposed to be a showcase, ended in such a disgraceful way.