By Ricardo Lezama 
A Third Fight In Their Exhibition Series
Today Floyd Mayweather Jr. squared off against John Gotti III for the third time in their boxing careers in an exhibition match. Mayweather was walked out by Natanael Cano who is himself embroiled in some bribery disputes. Some fans made unsubstantiated allegations that the event was a money laundering operation. Nonetheless, there is something to be said about knockouts in exhibitions: they seem unnecessary.
Additionally, the event was sponsored by Only Fans with logos of the application featured prominently in the digital broadcast.
While the referee was noted as absurdly too involved in the fight, in the second round, the ref was replaced by the 3rd. The rest of the fight was mostly Floyd dodging or grappling Gotti’s attack while also being able to land good shots on Gotti III.
However, Floyd managed to pack the house in Mexico City. No one loves boxing as much as Mexicans, and they do not discriminate beyond the usual sports team rivalry that is normal in athletics related tribalism.
Floyd Mayweather makes his ring walk in Mexico 🇲🇽#MayweatherGotti | Aug 24 | Live on DAZN: click link in bio to buy pic.twitter.com/6l6DiLnwRi
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) August 25, 2024
This contest, alternatively framed as Mayweather vs. Gotti III, took place at the notable venue Arena CDMX in the bustling metropolis of Mexico City, Mexico, and was slated to run for a total of eight rounds. The card is televised by DAZN.
Unexpected Venue, Remarkable Interest
Mexico City may not be the traditional locale for a bout involving the legendary Floyd Mayweather Jr. Given that neither Gotti nor Mayweather possesses Mexican heritage, the choice was an unusual one. increasingly the city is hosting American players and leagues, thus, the shift to host the two is no surprise and a welcome addition to the city’s entertainment outings.
Who's up on your scorecard?! 🤔#MayweatherGotti | Aug 24 | Live on DAZN: click link in bio to buy pic.twitter.com/QZp0DOAghm
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) August 25, 2024
Regardless, the event has garnered significant attention from sports enthusiasts worldwide, as observed from the notable interest in the live-streamed coverage of the fight.