Can a boxer fire a referee? Controversial decision in Floyd Mayweather-John Gotti III exhibition

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The first time legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather faced John Gotti III in an exhibition match, a riot broke out when the referee stopped the bout too early. Last night, in a rematch of their June 2023 meeting, Mayweather fired the referee for a bad call.

While Mayweather and Gotti III may be a mismatched pair as ring fighters, they’re a match made in heaven when it comes to craziness and controversy. Ultimately, that’s why the duo was allowed to make a sequel to an unwanted original film.

MORE: Floyd Mayweather vs. John Gotti III 2 Results, Highlights

It’s a showdown between a 47-year-old all-time great who has as much ring IQ as any active professional and the grandson of a former mob boss. With a pairing like that, it’s no wonder things get out of hand.

In the end, Mayweather won an eight-round decision and hopefully closed the book on the whole unpleasant mess. It’s not the result that people are talking about, it’s what happened with one minute left in round two when Mayweather insisted the referee be replaced.

Sporting News examines another controversial moment in the Mayweather-Gotti saga.

Why did Floyd Mayweather fire the referee?

With about two minutes gone in the second round, Mayweather unleashed one of his signature punches — a right hook around the guard that landed on the ear. It’s an effective single-punch that the Grand Rapids product has been doing for ages.

When it landed, the referee intervened and arrested Mayweather for rabbit punching. Stunned at being questioned, the former champion immediately lost his composure and ordered the referee out of his way. Gotti III was led to his corner by his team, and Mayweather continued his tirade until the referee was replaced.

Was it a rabbit punch? Never in a million years.

What is a rabbit punch?

A rabbit punch is a shot behind the head, which is an illegal punch in boxing. It can cause spinal cord injuries and is extremely dangerous.

Can a boxer fire a referee?

Referees can be replaced. One remembers the acclaimed official Ruby Goldstein who officiated during the 10and round of the 1952 fight between Joey Maxim and Sugar Ray Robinson. Three rounds later, the New Yorker knocked out Robinson, barely able to stand due to fatigue and dehydration.

However, referees are replaced out of necessity because circumstances dictate. Last night a fighter demanded that the official be replaced because he was unhappy with a decision that went against him. That is perhaps unprecedented.

The difference is that Maxim vs. Robinson was a world light heavyweight championship fight organized under the administration of the New York State Athletic Commission.

Conversely, Mayweather-Gotti III was popcorn entertainment and a money-making scheme, so you just make up the rules as you go along. In a professional fight, a boxer would have no authority to replace an official.

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