Watch when Floyd Mayweather KOd Victor Ortiz with 'sucker punch' in one of boxing's most controversi

May 2024 · 2 minute read

Floyd Mayweather caused a major boxing controversy back in 2011 when he knocked out Victor Ortiz with a so-called 'sucker punch'.

Even now, nearly ten years later, the ethics of this KO are still debated by fans.

At the beginning of the contest, Ortiz found himself struggling to deal with Mayweather’s speed, skills and pressure.

After four frustrating rounds, he tried dirty tactics and launched a headbutt at Mayweather while pressuring him in the corner.

This caused the American's lip to split and opened up a cut inside his mouth.

Referee Joe Cortez quickly intervened and deducted a point from Ortiz while the furious Mayweather took a moment to recover.

As Cortez waved for the action to resume again, Ortiz apologised while walking over to Mayweather with his hands down.

Ortiz touched gloves and hugged his opponent, but then, in a flash, found himself on the canvas.

As they broke from the hug, Ortiz still had his hands down and Mayweather took advantage.

He smashed his opponent with a left hook, followed by a right hand which left him on the canvas.

Ortiz was unable to beat the count and Mayweather won by fourth-round KO.

The post-fight interview between Mayweather and HBO's Larry Merchant was just as explosive.

The 80-year-old interviewer pressed the champion over to whether or not he felt the winning punches were fair.

Mayweather blasted back: “You don't ever give me a fair shake. I'm gonna go and let you talk to Victor Ortiz. I'm through.

"You never give me a fair shake, HBO needs to fire you, you don’t know s*** about boxing. You ain’t s***.”

Merchant’s response was legendary: “I wish I was 50 years younger and I would kick your ass.”

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