In a jaw-dropping turn of events, Floyd Mayweather’s iconic unbeaten record came to an end as John Gotti III delivered a stunning 8th-round knockout, marking the fall of one of boxing’s greatest legacies. The shocking defeat not only left the sporting world in disbelief but also triggered chaos inside the venue, leading to police intervention and reports of a staggering $35 million in gambling losses.
The highly anticipated bout between Mayweather and Gotti III took place under a cloud of intrigue. Mayweather, known for his defensive brilliance and perfect 50-0 record, entered the ring as the overwhelming favorite. Meanwhile, John Gotti III, grandson of the infamous mob boss, was considered a formidable underdog.
For the first seven rounds, the fight seemed to be following the script. Mayweather’s trademark footwork and counterpunching kept Gotti at bay. But everything changed in the 8th round.
Gotti III landed a devastating right hook that caught Mayweather off guard, sending him to the canvas. The crowd erupted in disbelief as the referee counted out the legendary fighter. It was the first time in his illustrious career that Mayweather had tasted defeat, and the boxing world was left stunned.
The drama didn’t end with the knockout. Tensions flared between the entourages of both fighters, and a full-blown brawl erupted inside the arena. Security struggled to maintain order as fans spilled onto the floor, and the situation escalated to the point where local police had to intervene to restore calm.
Reports indicate that significant damages were caused to the venue, and multiple arrests were made in the chaotic aftermath.
The financial fallout from the fight added another layer of shock. It’s reported that a staggering $35 million was lost in bets, as gamblers who had confidently backed Mayweather were blindsided by his defeat. This marked one of the most significant single-event losses in sports betting history.
Mayweather himself had reportedly placed a substantial sum on his own victory, adding to the financial sting of the night.
Reactions poured in from fans, fighters, and analysts worldwide, with many describing the fight as the “end of a great era” in boxing.
Mike Tyson commented, “It’s a reminder that nobody stays on top forever. Floyd had an incredible run, but it happens to the best of us.”
Manny Pacquiao, one of Mayweather’s fiercest rivals, tweeted, “Respect to Floyd for what he’s achieved in his career. Gotti surprised everyone, including me.”
For John Gotti III, the victory catapulted him into the spotlight. While some critics dismissed the win as a fluke, others praised his determination and preparation for the fight.
In his post-fight interview, Gotti said, “I’ve been working for this moment my entire life. I knew I could beat him if I stayed focused. It’s an honor to share the ring with a legend like Floyd Mayweather.”
Mayweather, ever the showman, appeared composed in the post-fight press conference.
“It’s part of the game,” he said. “I’ve had an amazing career, and tonight wasn’t my night. Hats off to Gotti for taking his shot and making it count.”
While Mayweather stopped short of announcing his retirement, he hinted that this could be the last time fans see him in the ring.
The fallout from the fight will undoubtedly shape the boxing landscape for years to come. For Mayweather, the question remains whether he will seek a rematch or officially hang up his gloves.
As for Gotti III, the victory cements his status as a rising star, with potential big-money fights now on the horizon.
The end of Mayweather’s perfect record marks a turning point not just in his career but in the history of boxing. John Gotti III’s stunning upset will be remembered as one of the most unexpected and chaotic nights the sport has ever seen.
The Las Vegas showdown will undoubtedly go down as a night of shattered records, lost fortunes, and a legacy forever altered.