Former world boxing champion Floyd Mayweather has again outmatched John Gotti III, the grandson of the late New York crime boss, in an exhibition fight rematch that left the Mexico City crowd unimpressed.

Mayweather, 47, dominated Gotti from start to finish on Saturday despite confusion when a round-ending bell did not sound and the referee left the ring mid-fight. The eight-round bout included two-minute rounds with two-minute rest periods.

Gotti showed little effort during the fight, provoking the 22,000-strong audience’s disdain.

Mayweather came out throwing rights to Gotti’s head in the first round, Gotti limiting himself to containing the punishment.

There was a moment of confusion after two minutes because the bell did not ring and the fight continued until complaints were heard from Gotti’s corner.

There was more bewilderment in the second round when, after a forbidden punch by Mayweather, Panamanian referee Hector Afu left the ring, apparently annoyed by Mayweather’s actions. Mexican referee Alfredo Uruzquieta then took over.

Mayweather's Controversial Referee Dismissal

The incident occurred in the second round when Mayweather landed a hook on Gotti’s head. The referee, Hector Afu, deemed the shot to have landed behind the head and warned Mayweather. This infuriated Mayweather, who felt the punch was legal and demanded the referee leave the ring.

Mayweather could be heard shouting “Move out the way!” and “Shut up” multiple times. The official DAZN commentary team even agreed with Mayweather, stating that the punch was a “hook from long distance” and not a “behind the head shot”.

The incident caused a substantial delay, and the crowd was left stunned. Eventually, Afu was replaced by Uruzquieta, and the fight continued. However, this incident overshadowed the rest of the bout.

A Lackluster Exhibition

It was not until the fourth that Gotti threw some serious punches to Mayweather’s body, although with little effect.

Mayweather rained blows on Gotti, who did little to defend himself, in the sixth and seventh rounds, leaving fans even more annoyed.

Mayweather cornered Gotti in the final round but his opponent held on until the final bell.

There was no official winner because it was an exhibition match.

Fans who paid for tickets to the event expressed disappointment at the lack of action and were unimpressed with Gotti’s performance. The jeers and boos that filled the stadium during the final round highlighted the general dissatisfaction with the fight.

A Rematch with a History

Saturday’s rematch followed a June 2023 exhibition in South Florida that was stopped after a brawl broke out between the two fighters’ camps.

Mayweather retired from boxing in 2017, unbeaten in 50 bouts, but continues to appear in fights that do not count towards his career record.

The 31-year-old Gotti, who had a 5-1 record in mixed martial arts (MMA) fights before switching to boxing, is the grandson of John Gotti, the head of the Gambino crime family who died in prison in 2002.

Mayweather’s Legacy and the Future

Mayweather’s decision to participate in exhibitions has been criticized by some, who believe that it diminishes his legacy. However, Mayweather has been consistent in his statement that he is solely motivated by profit from these lucrative bouts.

His latest fight serves as a reminder that the power dynamics in the boxing world can be complex and unpredictable. The crowd’s disappointment with the exhibition suggests that fans are seeking more than just a spectacle. Ultimately, Mayweather’s decision to continue participating in these fights will likely depend on his ability to generate significant revenue while maintaining his image and reputation.

While Mayweather may continue to generate headlines and generate revenue from these exhibitions, it is clear that he will not be able to replicate the glory of his prime. His recent performances have shown that he is no longer the dominant force he once was, and his controversial referee dismissal has raised questions about his professionalism and sportsmanship.

Only time will tell if Mayweather will continue to engage in these fights, or if he will ultimately decide to step away from the spotlight and focus on his other ventures.