Was Floyd Mayweather’s decision to fire the referee mid-round the right one? The same question continues to be asked even a week after the conclusion of his highly anticipated re-match against John Gotti III. The incident, which occurred after the 47-year-old boxing legend contested a behind-the-head call made by official Hector Afu, resulted in the bizarre situation rarely seen within the confines of a fighting ring. Fans in the arena were quick to dish out a mix of boos and cheers after the referee was swapped and made to leave the ring. Now, however, from Joe Rogan to Paul George, many celebrities have chosen to come out in support of Mayweather.

The 34-year-old hooper joined his co-hosts and father, Paul George Sr., to discuss the controversy. When George Sr was confused over how Mayweather could fight even after retirement, his son highlighted that the 1996 Olympics bronze medallist mostly participates in unofficial/exhibition fights now.

However, no matter the opponent, or whether it was an unofficial fight or not, Paul George agreed that the referee’s call was enough for him to be asked to leave. “It was a bad call. He threw a hook. It connected like it wasn’t a back of the head shot,” the 9x NBA All-Star said on Podcast P With Paul George. “Ref tried to say he hit him in the back of the head. It was a clean hook. Floyd like ‘Man get out. Get out of here, man.’”

Paul George’s remarks had come just days after Joe Rogan also shared his thoughts on the referee being kicked out. Alongside guest host Andrew Huberman, the 57-year-old didn’t hold back his criticism and outright stated, “The first referee was terrible, and the referee called Floyd—said Floyd Mayweather hit him (Gotti) behind the head. Absolutely incorrect call.” Furthermore, Joe used the opportunity to highlight the reputation that the 15-time World Champion holds by claiming “It’s Floyd Mayweather. Like, what’s the referee going to do? ‘F*** you, I’m gonna stop the fight?’ Also, they’re in Mexico City, like you could get killed.”

Tensions were certainly high during the August 24 fight in Mexico City. While Gotti was reportedly frustrated at the fact that the rounds were going beyond their time limit of two minutes, Mayweather wasn’t a big fan of the officiating. It all came to a head within the second round itself, after Gotti reportedly claimed that Mayweather hit him with a ‘rabbit punch’, aka a hit to the back of the head, and the referee seemed to agree.

There was certainly a chance that the call may have resulted in a repeat of last year’s fight between the two stars, which ended with people storming the ring in light of a controversial decision in the sixth round. However, things calmed down this time after another official took over for the next four rounds. Even after the fight came to an end and no official winner was declared, Mayweather and Gotti still displayed sportsmanship by sharing a hug.

From the commentators calling out the game to fans on social media, the majority of fans sided with the 47-year-old. Paul George’s support of the boxer certainly should not have come as a surprise. After all, not everyone can convince an NBA star to take a leaf out of another hooper’s book just to leave behind a good impression.

Paul George once copied Steph Curry’s ‘signature move’ for Floyd Mayweather!

Back in January 2024, the then-Clipper revealed details of the game against the OKC that saw him dropping 38 points! With almost 1:30 minutes remaining, George sank a three-pointer to add to his range of far shots that day. The thrill of the moment, however, brought out an unusual reaction, as he ended up performing Steph Curry‘s shimmy dance. As it turns out, stealing the Warrior’s star move had a double meaning, as the player also wanted to impress Floyd Mayweather, who was watching the game from the sidelines.

“You know who I was looking at? I was looking at Floyd,” George said on his pod. “So, at first I was just like galloping, right? And then me and Floyd locked eyes and so that’s when the shimmy like ‘alright let me swag out now’, like that’s where the shimmy came.”

Even if the dance caught the attention of Stephen Curry, fans did not get any reaction from his side. With the camera focused on Paul George whilst he made the move, there was no way of knowing Mayweather’s reaction, either. However, by revealing that the move was made in his honor, combined with the veteran’s recent remarks about the John Gotti III fight, the boxer may silently be valuing the support in high regard. What do you think?

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.