Floyd Mayweather’s Wild & Wacky Year
It’s been quite the interesting year for Floyd Mayweather. From his jail sentence for domestic battery, to his new promotional team and millions bet on sporting events, there are few other polarizing figures in sports. His failure to get a bout with Manny Pacquiao doesn’t really make much of a difference to him, because he is still the highest grossing athlete in sports, according to Forbes.
One year ago today, Mayweather fought in one of the most controversial matches in recent memory. Jordan Levine has the story:
The crowd was hot. The fighters were hot. It appeared to be a typical Mayweather fight. Mayweather would let his opponent gain some confidence, hit him with counter shots, and cruise to an easy unanimous decision. Yet, one head butt and two sucker punches later, the fight ended at 2:59 in the fourth round. Victor Ortiz had Mayweather on the ropes and was throwing combinations that Mayweather was having trouble defending. In an error of stupidity, “Vicious” Victor Ortiz blatantly head butted “Money,” something Ortiz denied later. Ortiz apologized by hugging Mayweather and kissing him on the cheek. Referee Joe Cortez stopped the clock and rightfully deducted a point away from Ortiz. Despite being genuinely sorry and hugging Mayweather as the fight restarted, Mayweather did something legal but disgusting. He hugged him and then hit Ortiz with a left hook and a right hand that Ortiz never saw coming.
Despite Mayweather’s attack, boxing is a sport. While he did nothing illegal and a fighter must protect himself at all times, as Mayweather continued to say in the shortened post fight interview with Larry Merchant, was Mayweather right? The argument will continue. There was no doubt it was legal and no doubt he acted unsportsmanlike.
However, should we be surprised at a man who has lawsuits against him, literally burns $100 bills in clubs, mocked Ortiz’s rough upbringing, and grabbed his opponent’s throat at the weigh in? Mayweather is not exactly a role model for children.
His disgusting behavior continued when Larry Merchant attempted to interview him. After years of disdain between the two, Mayweather walked away and said, “You don’t know s**t about boxing.” Merchant replied, “I wish I was 50 years younger. I would kick your ass.” Mayweather has some serious issues and showed little respect for the Sweet Science tonight. One can only hope that what’s next for the unpredictable Floyd “Money” Mayweather is his next opponent will be none other than Larry Merchant!
