The rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and John Gotti III included no brawl. Just more Mayweather domination.
And boos.
The crowd voiced its displeasure after the eight-round exhibition in Mexico City.
There were no knockdowns. No glassy-eyed looks. No staggering.
Because the fight was an exhibition, it was not officially scored. But Mayweather, 47, dominated Gotti, 31, the grandson of late crime boss John Gotti. Mayweather was able to hit Gotti with relative ease and connected plenty — but he never rocked his opponent.
"Gotti is tough as nails.'' Mayweather said after the fight.
Mayweather praised Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., who was there as part of the broadcast team, then said “Mexico City, I love you guys. Thanks for coming out.’’
The fans cheered.
The first fight between Mayweather and Gotti, in June 2023, ended in a brawl after the referee stopped the fight in the sixth round because of excessive trash talk and holding. Gotti maneuvered around the referee and threw punches at Mayweather and members of the fighters' camps flooded into the ring as a melee broke out.
There were moments of tension Saturday. Gotti grew agitated when the rounds, which were supposed to be two minutes, ran long. And Mayweather looked angry when the referee warned him about punches to the back of Gotti's head. In fact, a new referee entered the ring.
But it was largely peaceful — more peaceful than the crowd hoped for, seemingly — and it ended with Mayweather and Gotti embracing.
"He's my guy," Mayweather said of Gotti, with his arm around his opponent. "But we had to put on a show for the people. And I want to thank Gotti for being a man of his word and we ran it back twice.''
Gotti said Mayweather "hit hard."
"He's still got it," Gotti said.
What's next for Floyd Mayweather?
Not an exhibition with Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.
During an in-ring interview after the fight, Mayweather embraced the 62-year-old Chavez.
“He’s one of the legends I look up to and he paved the way for me,’’ Mayweather said.
But the two getting into the ring to box? “He’s older now, and if I do an exhibition with him it’s not going to look good for me,’’ Mayweather said.
Earlier this week, Mayweather said he’d been offered a deal for three more exhibitions but provided no additional details.
“We just got a call about a three-exhibition deal and it’s a crazy number. …So, we don’t know," Mayweather said.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. John Gotti III, exhibition
The Floyd Mayweather-John Gotti fight will not be officially scored because it's an exhibition. USA TODAY Sports' boxing analyst Josh Peter will score the contest.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. John Gotti III: Round 1
Floyd has the high guard up. He and Gotti at center of ring. Lands a counter right and throws an overhand right. He’s letting his fists go early. Gotti lands right hand to body. Crowd whistling. Floyd dancing. Gotti looks tentative. Gotti complaining. The round went long, but it belongs to Floyd. Floyd 10, Gotti 9.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. John Gotti III: Round 2
Floyd upset as he’s warned for a behind-the-head shot. Very agitated. In fact, Floyd pushed the referee out of the way. A member of Gotti’s team gets into the ring and Floyd smiles. A new referee enters the ring. Fighters brought together and it looks civil as the action resumes. Floyd instantly looks in control again. Floyd and Gotti tap gloves as the round ends. Floyd 20, Gotti 18.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. John Gotti III: Round 3
Gotti still looking apprehensive. Now Floyd attacking Gotti. Gotti a punching bag on the ropes before Floyd backs away. Gotti rushes in and flies back as Floyd ducks, like a matador avoiding a bull. Floyd 30, Gotti 27.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. John Gotti III: Round 4
Change in plan. Gotti stalking. But still not throwing punches. Eats one. A Floyd left. Gotti lets two rights fly, but neither land. Floyd softer around the middle than I’ve seen in a while. But showing quickness with his punches and puckishness as he sticks out his tongue to someone in the crowd. Floyd 40, Gotti 36.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. John Gotti III: Round 5
Crowd whistling. Not with pleasure. Gotti not putting up much of a fight. Floyd 50, Gotti 45.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. John Gotti III: Round 6
Gotti looks more focused on dodging punches than landing punches. And Floyd is all too happy to dictate the action. Gotti lands a left to the body and Floyd responds with his own body shot. Crowd whistling, then booing. Floyd grins. Floyd 60, Gotti 54.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. John Gotti III: Round 7
Floyd landing head shots. Throwing with more velocity. Gotti has Floyd on the ropes, but not long enough to capitalize. Floyd lands some big punches. Almost using his fist like a hammer. Crowd is not pleased. Whistling. Gotti looks almost lifeless. Or without a plan. Floyd 70, Gotti 63.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. John Gotti III: Round 8
The two trade stiff jabs. And the crowd boos. Floyd showing more power, but now Gotti’s complaining about shots behind the head again. Floyd looks amused. Floyd sticks out his tongue. A smile creeps onto Gotti’s face, too. Floyd talking to Gotti’s corner. Bell rings and the boxers embrace. Floyd 80, Gotti 72.
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