The exhibition match between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and John Gotti III ended in pandemonium Sunday night, spilling from the ring onto social media. The fight, stopped in the sixth round and reportedly ruled a disqualification, devolved into a brawl involving both fighters and their teams.
The in-ring chaos began after referee Kenny Bayless struggled to control the escalating trash talk and physicality between Mayweather and Gotti. When Bayless finally stopped the bout, Gotti attempted to continue the fight, leading to a flurry of punches and a melee involving both entourages.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers at Crypto.com Arena on October 23, 2022, in Los Angeles. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Following the fight, the conflict intensified on social media. Nicolette Gotti, John Gotti III’s sister, allegedly posted racially charged threats aimed at Mayweather’s daughter, Yaya, referencing her relationship with rapper NBA YoungBoy. Gotti’s Instagram account has since been made private following the backlash.
Floyd Mayweather in action against Aaron Chalmers during an exhibition fight at The O2, London, on February 25, 2023. (Zac Goodwin/PA Images via Getty Images)
Gotti took to his own Instagram Stories after the fight, labeling Mayweather a "punk b----" and declaring him an "enemy for life." Mayweather has yet to publicly respond to the incident or the subsequent social media exchanges.
The fight, held at FLA Live in Sunrise, Florida, ended in a dramatic and controversial fashion. The post-fight fallout, particularly the online threats, continues to generate controversy.
Floyd Mayweather looks on during a press conference at The Gabriel Miami Downtown on April 7, 2022, in Miami. (Eric Espada/Getty Images)
