
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 02: Floyd Mayweather Jr. throws a left at Manny Pacquiao during their welterweight unification championship bout on May 2, 2015 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 02: Floyd Mayweather Jr. throws a left at Manny Pacquiao during their welterweight unification championship bout on May 2, 2015 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Ahead of his next bout against the grandson of New York’s crime family boss, John Gotti, Mayweather has managed to attract fans’ attraction in an old video. In 2011, after Floyd Mayweather won the WBC Welterweight belt from Victor Ortiz. HBO boxing commentator Larry Merchant conducted a contentious post-fight interview with Mayweather. During the interview, Merchant joked that if he were 50 years younger, he would kick Mayweather’s ‘a**’ in response to the boxer’s angry remarks towards him. The fight was controversial as Mayweather delivered two blows that knocked Ortiz to the ground after being penalized for a headbutt.

via Imago
May 2.2015. Las Vegas NV. Floyd Mayweather Jr. holds his belt after going 12 rounds with Manny Pacquiao Saturday at the MGM Grand Hotel. Floyd Mayweather Jr. took the win by unanimous decision over Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas..Photo by Gene Blevins/LA Daily News/ZumaPress Mayweather vs Pacquiao Fight night – ZUMAbl1_
Furthermore, Mayweather justified his actions by stating that one must protect oneself at all times in the ring. Nevertheless, Merchant was offended by Mayweather’s conduct toward him during the interview.
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Mayweather resorted to insulting Larry Merchant and expressed his frustration with boxing analysts who have never fought professionally. The incident remains a memorable moment in boxing history. It emphasizes the tension and emotions that can arise in the sport.
Read More: “I Was a Puppet”: Mike Tyson Explains How Promoters Exploited Him
The video of the incident recently resurfaced as Boxing Kingdom shared the video on Twitter. Fans had varied opinions regarding the situation. While some fans were quick to blast Mayweather for his behavior against the interviewer. There were some fans who blamed Merchant for being disrespectful to Mayweather. Whatever may have been the case in the past, the duo has moved past their differences.
Fans’ Reaction to Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s infamous interview
Here is how fans expressed their opinion on Mayweather’s confrontation with Larry Merchant, the renowned boxing interviewer.
KingMarlon® reminisced about how Mayweather was as a young boxer inside and outside the ring.
He’s older and more humble now, but young Floyd was a beast before and AFTER the bell.
— KingMarlon® (@MarlonzWorld) May 4, 2023
JustRob believes that although he was a great boxer, Mayweather could have been more entertaining if he had stayed more aggressive.
Wonderful boxer but what a bore he was to watch.
Like watching a formula 1 car race against a bunch of fat blokes on unicycles.
Wish he'd stayed more aggressive.
— JustRob (@JustRob17) May 4, 2023
Andrew Sanoff sets the record straight for those who thought Larry Merchant was just any ordinary interviewer, pointing out that he is, in fact, a Hall of Famer.
That is Hall of Famer Larry Merchant not some random interviewer..
— Andrew Sanoff (@AndrewSanoff) May 4, 2023
One fan, OSOARROGANT supported Larry and called Floyd Mayweather a “dirty fighter fasho”.
na floyd a dirty boxer fasho lol
— OSOARROGANT 🪙 (@zu__bear) May 4, 2023
Another fan, Ross shared that he never liked Mayweather’s character.
Never liked Floyds character…
— Ross (@Rossco1978) May 4, 2023
chitownhec seemingly called Floyd ‘ignorant’ and claimed that he will never be the face of boxing.
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Ignorance at its finest dude will never be the face of boxing
— chitownhec (@Chitownledez) May 4, 2023
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Fans have different opinions about the situation. But it’s clear that the resurfacing of this clip has sparked some lively discussion among them. What do you think about the situation? Do you stand with Floyd or with Merchant? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Watch This Story: Five Times Floyd Mayweather Almost Lost in the Ring
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