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“I’d Kick Your A*s”: When an 80-Year-Old Reporter Warned Floyd Mayweather in Front of 17,000 Fans

Published 07/20/2022, 12:00 PM EDT

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Floyd Mayweather, the five-division world champion, has dominated boxing for more than 20 years. Even though he is now retired, his dominance in the industry is still significant. An old video from Mayweather’s prime has surfaced, showing how he defied the odds to win against all conditions.

This is an almost decade-old video from September 17, 2011. Floyd Mayweather emerged victorious against Victor Ortiz at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas. After the fight, Larry Merchant from HBO was in conversation with ‘Money’ about his victory, and it turned out to be a heated word exchange.

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Mayweather stated, “You will never give me a fair shake, you know that. So I’m gonna let you talk to Victor Ortiz, alright. I’m through. Now put somebody else up here and give me a interview.”

Larry Merchant – “What are you talking about? 

Mayweather – “You never give me a fair shake. HBO need to fire you. You don’t know sh*t about boxing. You ain’t sh*t, you got sh*t.” 

Merchant – “I wish I was 50 years younger, and I’d kick your as*.”

Mayweather – “You won’t do sh*t.”

via Getty

The reporter was asking Mayweather about the controversial ‘sucker punch’ that he threw at Ortiz, which knocked him down. Apparently, Ortiz head-butted Mayweather in a barrage of blows, which even cost him points. Additionally, he hugged and kissed Mayweather after admitting guilt. However, “Money” likely harbored resentment for it and struck his opponent hard when the latter was off guard. Fans continue to wonder if it was ethical, even though it was lawful.

It appears that the post-fight interview was equally tense as the actual bout. Mayweather and Merchant exchanged heated words while standing chins-up next to one another.

Floyd Mayweather offers a massive amount to Conor McGregor for a rematch 

August 26, 2017, was a day that will be remembered forever in boxing history. The biggest boxer and the biggest MMA fighter clashed to square off inside the ring. The Mayweather vs McGregor fight had garnered the attention of the entire world, and it certainly lived up to the expectations. It is even one of the most lucrative matches in combat sports. 

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As per THESun, a source said, “Mayweather Promotions made Conor an offer of 150milllion euros($157m) for the fight.” 

WATCH THIS STORY: Six Things No One Told You About Floyd Mayweather

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The first fight was an intense war between the two superstars. Currently, the Irish icon is inactive in the sport due to an injury. But the news of a rematch has already optimized the fans’ thoughts. Only time will tell if the fight happens or not. 

Meanwhile, what are your thoughts on Mayweather’s verbal war with Merchant? Share it in the comments below.     

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Written by:

Shashank Wankhede

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One take at a time

Shashank Wankhede is a Boxing writer at EssentiallySports. When it comes to boxing, the blockbuster film 'Rocky' sparked his interest in the sport. He holds Muhammad Ali in great regard and is a sincere admirer of his narrative, struggle, and accomplishments.
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Edited by:

Ajinkya Aswale