Mayweather vs Ortiz Exhibition Set for August
Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s exhibition tour continues unabated, despite the boxing legend turning 47 earlier this year. ESPN’s Salvador Rodriguez reports that “Money” is set to face Victor Ortiz on August 24th in Mexico, reigniting a rivalry from their controversial 2011 bout.
Mayweather en 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽
Me dicen que Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather anunciará una pelea de exhibición vs Víctor ‘Vicious’ Ortiz para agosto 24 en la Plaza de Toros México… miércoles dan más detalles.
Mayweather puso KO4 a Ortiz en 2011 al agarrarlo con la guardia abajo tras cabezazo. pic.twitter.com/phx7UPXhnH
— Salvador Rodriguez (@ChavaESPN) May 14, 2024
Mayweather’s Unrelenting Exhibition Tour
Mayweather (50-0, 27 KO) has been on an exhibition spree, with this latest matchup hinting at unresolved business. While Mayweather has not officially confirmed the fight, he teased a “big announcement” with the hashtag #MayweatherMexico, fuelling speculation.
Ortiz’s Journey and the Infamous 2011 Bout
Victor Ortiz (33-7-3, 25 KO) faced Mayweather in 2011, entering the ring on the back of a six-fight unbeaten streak since a loss to Marcos Maidana. Ortiz had shown resilience, notably winning Ring Magazine’s Fight of the Year against Andre Berto. However, his frustration with Mayweather’s defensive prowess led to a blatant headbutt, resulting in a point deduction.
In a bizarre sequence, Ortiz offered an apology hug, only to be met with a left hook from Mayweather. Ortiz, distracted and looking towards referee Joe Cortez, who was speaking to a ringside official, was then floored by a follow-up right cross from Mayweather. This moment solidified the phrase “protect yourself at all times” in boxing lore.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Mayweather’s penchant for theatrics was evident when he told commentator Larry Merchant that he “[didn’t] know sh*t about boxing” post-fight. The spectacle of their previous encounter begs the question of why a rematch is necessary, but for Mayweather, the draw of lucrative paydays and eager opponents remains irresistible.
Despite the contentious nature of their first fight, the upcoming exhibition promises entertainment, if not closure. As Mayweather continues his global tour, it might be intriguing to see him face a new kind of challenge, perhaps from the world of MMA or kickboxing. Names like Chihiro Suzuki could offer a genuine threat, adding a fresh dimension to Mayweather’s exhibitions.
The Mayweather vs Ortiz exhibition on August 24th is set to be another chapter in the storied career of a boxer who remains as polarising as he is successful.
