I’ve been a fan of the sport of boxing for ages. Every once in a while, there will be a match that will bring you to your feet, fists clinched, eyes ablaze with emotion. There have been numerous fighters that have done that for me: Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez, Arturo Gatti… the list goes on and on. However, the 2000’s have provided only two big names – Floyd Mayweather Jr.(42 wins – 0 loses – 0 draws) and Manny Pacquiao (53 wins – 3 loses – 2 draws). While both are big names, what remains obvious to many, is that Pacquiao is the only “Champion” of the two. You can be a great fighter, as Floyd has made clear by his unbeaten record and by his previous fights, but you can’t be a champion unless you prove yourself through heart and character (and much of the time, this occurs outside of the ring!).
In Floyd’s latest fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, he captured the WBC World Welterweight title by knocking out Victor Ortiz, a young and strong up-and-comer, in the 4th Round. It was how he did it (and how he reacted afterwards) that has many people shaking their heads.
WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENED?
Previous to the exchange of a left-right into Ortiz’s face, Ortiz gave a blatant headbutt to Mayweather (of which Ortiz tried desperately to “hug-out”). With anger still congealed within Floyd (quite noticeable in the pictures/video) he launches a “Sucker-punch” left-hook followed by a strong right into the jaw of Ortiz (see video below). One of the questions that I have is, “Is sportsmanship dead?”
Conclusion: Floyd Mayweather is awarded the knockout. Then, Mayweather does himself one worse – he gets angry and insults HBO commentary-favorite Larry Merchant.
Watch the video here before it is taken down.
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