Mayweather Sucker Punch KO’s Ortiz in 4th Round
Once again, another controversial ending to a boxing match in Las Vegas as a Floyd Mayweather sucker punch KO’s Victor Ortiz at the Grand Garden Arena (Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com).
In the fourth round, Ortiz pinned Mayweather in the corner and, after a few punches, intentionally headbutted him. Referee Joe Cortez stopped the fight and separated the fighters. He reprimanded Ortiz but then seemed to lose control of the match. Cortez either failed to resume the action or he half-heartedly restarted it but walked away from the fighters to talk to the timekeeper.
Ortiz assumed that he wasn’t supposed to fight. He again apologized to Mayweather for the headbutt, then turned away to face Cortez, looking for a signal to resume the action. While Ortiz was turned away with his hands down in a defenseless position, Mayweather hit him with two hard punches, knocking him to the canvas. In one of the photos below you can see a look of horror on Cortez’ face. Nevertheless, Cortez counted him out.
This was a cruel act of unsportsmanlike conduct by Mayweather, one that could have had deadly consequences. Even his most ardent fans will have trouble excusing him this time. Retna photographer Erik Kabik reported that “The booing from the crowd was so loud in the Grand Garden you could not hear any of the commentary in the venue and Floyd Mayweather left the arena not to applause or cheers but booing and jeers”.
Ortiz pins Mayweather in the corner
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com.
Ortiz pins Mayweather in the corner
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com.
An intentional headbutt by Ortiz
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com.
Referee Joe Cortez steps in to separate the fighters
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com.
Referee Joe Cortez steps in to separate the fighters
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com.
Referee Joe Cortez calls for a break in the action
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com.
During the break, Ortiz apologizes to Mayweather
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com.
Mayweather stays in a neutral corner
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com.
While referee Cortez is communicating with the timekeeper, Mayweather knocks out Ortiz. Note the look of shock on Cortez's face.
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com.
Ortiz goes down after two punches by Mayweather
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com.
Ortiz on the canvas
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com.
Cortez moves in to count out Ortiz
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com.
The fight is over as the crowd boos
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com.
The fight is over as the crowd boos
Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.