Decoding the Mayweather vs. Gotti Showdown- The Date That Shaped Boxing History
When did Mayweather fight Gotti? This is a question that has intrigued boxing fans for years. Floyd Mayweather Jr., often regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, faced off against Shawn Porter, known as “The Magic Man,” on September 16, 2017. However, this was not the first time Mayweather stepped into the ring against a fighter with the surname Gotti.
The first time Floyd Mayweather Jr. fought a Gotti was against Paulie Malignaggi on June 7, 2003. This bout, which took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, was a pivotal moment in Mayweather’s career. At the time, Mayweather was already an established champion, but this fight against Malignaggi, who was known for his boxing skills and aggressive style, was a significant test of his abilities.
Malignaggi, who was nicknamed “The Magic Man,” was a former world champion in two weight classes. He had a reputation for being a formidable opponent, and his fight against Mayweather was widely anticipated. The fight was a high-energy, back-and-forth affair, with both fighters showcasing their boxing prowess. In the end, Mayweather emerged victorious, winning by a majority decision after 12 rounds.
The win over Malignaggi was a significant achievement for Mayweather, as it solidified his status as a dominant force in the boxing world. It also marked the beginning of a long and successful career, during which Mayweather would go on to win 12 world titles across five weight classes.
After his historic fight against Malignaggi, Mayweather faced another Gotti in Shawn Porter, who was not related to Paulie Malignaggi but shared the same surname. The fight against Porter was part of Mayweather’s farewell tour, as he announced his retirement from boxing after the bout. This fight, which took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, was a highly anticipated event, as it featured two of the best boxers of their generation.
The fight against Porter was a technical showcase, with both fighters displaying their boxing skills and defensive abilities. Mayweather, who was 40 years old at the time, showed that he still had the speed, timing, and boxing IQ to outmaneuver his younger opponent. Porter, on the other hand, fought valiantly, trying to impose his will on the fight but ultimately falling short.
The fight ended in a split decision victory for Mayweather, with two judges scoring the fight 116-112 and 115-113 in his favor, while one judge scored it 115-113 for Porter. Despite the split decision, most boxing fans and experts agreed that Mayweather had won the fight, and it was a fitting end to his illustrious career.
In conclusion, Floyd Mayweather Jr. fought two notable opponents with the surname Gotti during his career. The first was Paulie Malignaggi, who he defeated in 2003, and the second was Shawn Porter, whom he faced in his final fight in 2017. Both fights were significant moments in Mayweather’s career, showcasing his boxing skills and his ability to adapt and overcome challenges throughout his storied career.
