Floyd Mayweather’s ‘Cowardice Act’ Goes Viral Hours Before Canelo Alvarez’s $45 Million Fight

Canelo Alvarez is set to face Gennady Golovkin for a super-middleweight showdown on September 17, 2022. While this is a huge fight for both boxers, Alvarez’s bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. was certainly one of the most iconic bouts of his career.

Now hours before the Alvarez – Golovkin fight, a recently resurfaced video shows a move done by Mayweather during a fight in 2011. Moreover, a few boxing fans were not too pleased with the same and even went on to call it an act of ‘cowardice’.

Mayweather faced Victor Ortiz at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada on September 17, 2011. Moreover, the 12-round showdown saw the duo fighting for the WBC welterweight title.

The fight, in turn, was marred by controversy due to a particular action by Mayweather. Mayweather dominated the fight for the first 3 rounds and performed incredibly, but still this fight is remembered for different reasons. In the 4th round, Ortiz got a few shots in, shook Mayweather and drove him to the corner. There it seemed like Ortiz went for a headbutt on ‘Money’. The referee immediately spotted this and called time and even deducted a point from Ortiz.

Following that Ortiz even seemed to acknowledge his mistake and the fighters touched gloves and the round commenced. But, Mayweather immediately followed up with a left hook and a brutal right hand. This sent Ortiz to the canvas, making Mayweather the victor by KO.

He was even asked about the same during the post-fight interview. Mayweather responded by saying, “We touched gloves, we backed the fight hook, right hand. And, that’s how she roll.”

The interviewer, Larry Merchant, in turn, asked him if it was an automatic response. In response, Mayweather mentioned that boxers are supposed to protect themselves at all times. And, that it is not about accusing each other of playing dirty.

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Additionally, Mayweather also mentioned that he was ready for a rematch if Ortiz needed one. What makes this even more interesting, is that Alvarez is set to have his $45 million fight, on the very same day, 11 years down the line, on September 17, 2022.

Boxing fans react to Floyd Mayweather knocking out Victor Ortiz

It should be said that boxing fans were not very happy with Floyd Mayweather’s actions. In fact, many fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the same.

A few users felt that Mayweather was wrong in punching right after touching gloves. User @abedo_rahman felt like what Mayweather did was a cowardly thing to do as a boxer. Meanwhile, user @hazelboy_16 also added that Mayweather played dirty. And, that he should have respected his opponent.

Similarly, user @FredMcB stated that Mayweather might have realized that he sucker punched Ortiz.

On the other hand, user @power_pauldando felt that the fight was staged.

Meanwhile, user @cialeman78 was quick to commend Larry Merchant for calling out Mayweather for his move.

However, it should be mentioned that a few users also extended their support to Mayweather.

Notably, user @ascensionto30 stated that Mayweather did the right thing, and, that he is one of the greatest fighters of all time because of his adaptability. Similarly, user @sheasimmons mentioned that he never understood the controversy. In fact, he even added that Mayweather only made his move after the referee called them to fight.

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Do you think Mayweather was wrong to have done that move? Share your thoughts in the comments below.