The Floyd Mayweather Jr. exhibition roadshow is set to recommence on Saturday night as he rematches John Gotti III, 14 months on from their last controversial meeting in Florida. Ahead of their scrap, Mayweather has made some surprise comments regarding Mexico, given all that has occurred during the build-up.
Mayweather has made a second career out of fighting in exhibitions since hanging up the gloves, taking part in seven boxing events since hanging up the gloves in 2017, ironically remaining more active than some current fighters and champions in the sport. However, this weekend’s opponent may be the most meaningful of all his post-professional dance partners, after what went down when the duo last stepped into the ring together.
After bossing the early exchanges, Mayweather saw his contest against Gotti waived off by the referee to due excessive trash-talking from both parties. Although, it was the brawl that followed shortly afterwards that made headlines, as the teams of both men collided in the ring in one of the most viral moments of boxing in 2023.
This time around, Mayweather has been taunted by fans, who chanted for Canelo Alvarez during the open workout, over a decade since ‘TBE’ outpointed the national superstar in Las Vegas. At the press conference, Gotti III made it clear that he believes himself to be the home fighter in the Mexico City rematch.
“All of the preparation is done, we did all of the work, I am ready to fight. I am excited to be here, I am blessed to be here. From the minute that we landed, we have been blessed with open arms, everywhere that we have been, restaurants and in the street, all of the hard-working Mexicans have pledged their loyalty to the Gotti’s and King Gotti.”
Yet, to the surprise of many, Mayweather seemed unbothered by the chanting or by the support for Gotti, instead paying his respects to the proud boxing history of Mexico, as well as to José Sulaimán – the former president of the WBC, who passed away in 2014.
“The country of Mexico, the boxing pedigree in the whole country since I have been a little kid has been truly, truly unbelievable. So many legendary champions, so many legendary fighters but the WBC is by far the best boxing organisation in the world of boxing. Jose Sulaiman was a great, great guy, my prayers go out to Mauricio [Sulaiman] and all of his family.
“I’m happy to be here and to come out here and display my talent, so on Saturday it is what it is. I’m Floyd Mayweather, I have already faced the best. I’m here, and I’m here to show up and show out, and do what I do. I’m a fighter, until the day that I die.”
The rematch of Mayweather-Gotti III takes place this Saturday at Arena CDMX in Mexico City and tops an impressive pay-per-view card that can be purchased to watch live on DAZN.
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