WATCH: Floyd Mayweather’s controversial bad-sportsmanship moment against Victor Ortiz resurfaces online
The fight between Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz is remebred for its controversial ending.
Follow Us
Floyd Mayweather vs Victor Ortiz (image credit- Marca)
The Floyd Mayweather vs. Victor Ortiz fight took place on September 17, 2011, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Furthermore, Mayweather and Ortiz faced each other for the WBC welterweight title which was vacated by Mayweather during his retirement. Subsequently, Ortiz, a young and determined fighter, was aiming to make a name for himself by facing the undefeated Mayweather. Over a decade later the fight is remembered for the controversial nature in which it ended.
The first few rounds of the fight were competitive, with both fighters having their moments. However, the turning point came in the fourth round when Ortiz, in an attempt to break Mayweather’s defense, initiated a headbutt. The referee, Joe Cortez, deducted a point from Ortiz for the foul. After the point deduction, Ortiz went to apologize to Floyd Mayweather, and it was at this moment that Mayweather seized the opportunity to deliver the knockout punches. After the fight, Mayweather justified his actions by stating,
After we touched gloves I threw the left hook, then a right. In the ring you have to protect yourself at all times.Floyd Mayweather in the post fight interview
The referee, Joe Cortez, was not in a position to stop the action, and Mayweather’s actions were within the rules, leading to a knockout victory for Mayweather. Hence, the controversial ending sparked debates about sportsmanship and whether Mayweather’s actions were within the spirit of the sport.
Some criticized Ortiz for the headbutt, while others felt Mayweather’s quick knockout was unsportsmanlike. Regardless of the controversy, Mayweather’s victory added another win to his undefeated record.
Fans react to Floyd Mayweather’s controversially victory
The fight ended controversially in the fourth round. During the round, Ortiz had Mayweather against the ropes, but then Ortiz intentionally headbutted Mayweather. In response, Mayweather appeared to accept Ortiz’s apology. However, as Ortiz went to hug Mayweather, he quickly unleashed a left hook followed by a right hand, knocking Ortiz out.
The fight generated a lot of attention and discussion in the boxing world, contributing further to Mayweather’s career. Fans reacted to the resurfaced video stating, “Two cheap shots. The headbutt and then the knockout punch”
Fans condemned the actions of both Mayweather and Ortiz and called both instances a cheap shot. Furthermore, some fans felt that Mayweather got his justice and played by the rules and that Ortiz made the fight go in that direction.
In case you missed it!
Stay Updated!
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)