The visuals of Floyd Mayweather Jr. peppering and verbally abusing John Gotti III in the boxing ring are still fresh in the fans’ minds. While images of chaos and a brawl overshadowed the boxing display, it was a foregone conclusion. Very few would give a chance to anyone who fought the ‘Pretty Boy,’ more so to anyone who had popped out of almost nowhere with only 2 fight pro-career. Well, it has been over a year since that happened. So, the eyes will be on the underdog this time. Has he improved enough to turn the tide this time? And what exactly does the American boxer need to do to take down one of the modern boxing greats?

Mayweather Jr., 47, and Gotti III, 31, fight in Mexico City this Saturday, August 24. The fight has every ingredient to do tremendous business, the plotline of unfinished business, a flavor of personal rivalry, a great name in Mayweather Jr., and an underdog in Gotti III. However, the odds are again against Gotti III. But the 2-0 record holder might surprise the fans and viewers if he does these things.

Tactical adjustments and changes for John Gotti III

What makes Gotti III an interesting boxer? It’s his background in MMA, where he racked up an impressive record of 3-1. If you know one thing about MMA fighters, they rely on power rather than precision and have an awkward stance and coming-forward technique. In addition, clinching and some dirty tricks always come with the package. That’s the base around which the welterweight boxer has developed his boxing, which could puzzle Mayweather Jr. if implemented properly.

The fans remember Gotti III being anxious, as he went against the 50-0 record holder. That only made him reluctant, and he couldn’t forge his path with an iron fist like he was used to. But the New York native has already seen Mayweather Jr.’s bag of tricks and what he can do inside the ring. That gives him an advantage. But how will he utilize it?

Gotti III needs to back up the power that he carries behind his punches. He also has the size and youth advantage to double down on the onslaught of the former world champion and overwhelm him with his power. He can find Mayweather Jr. lacking if he pushes with his energy. What’s more? He could employ his awkward, coming-forward style and put constant pressure on. The former MMA fighter has to nullify Mayweather Jr.’s staple defense and counter-punching ability and, for that, he has to be swift on his feet and create angles.

The third step would be to work up the body. Gotti III’s heavy-handed punches can slowly break down Mayweather Jr. and mix it up with combinations. How can he do it? To employ the jab, maintain a distance to set up these devastating blows. Combinations and diversity of punches will increase the effectiveness of this approach.

These many years of wear-and-tear of ‘The Best Ever’ could catch up to him if that happens, and then Gotti III could test his chin and even go for his head. However, Gotti III has to execute this while landing these blows quickly and then move out of the range to not get tagged by Mayweather Jr.’s counters. At 47, the Michigan native’s reflexes are not the same, so it could ask him some tough questions. But there would be one more rule. Remain focused.

Maintaining a cool, calm head against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Gotti III lost his focus amid the flurry of punches and verbal insults in the first fight. That only allowed the former four-division champion to make a mockery of him, and it eventually resulted in a brawl when Gotti III couldn’t control his emotions. So, it’s simple. He needs to stay focused, cut the outside noise, and then execute his game plan. If he wavers from it, it won’t end well for him.

Staying composed and disciplined will be the key to ensuring the experience and skills of Mayweather Jr. don’t get the upper hand. Will he be able to do it? It remains to be seen. But if he makes these changes and sticks to his game plan, he will definitely earn the fans’ respect.

What do you make of this coming fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and John Gotti III? Who do you believe will leave the arena with bragging rights? Let us know in the comment below.