John Gotti III has finally broken his silence about his highly publicized exhibition match against Floyd Mayweather, delivering some scathing remarks about the legendary boxer’s conduct. The grandson of notorious crime boss John Gotti, who entered the ring to build his own legacy, didn’t hold back in expressing his disappointment over Mayweather’s antics, which he described as “disgraceful” and lacking respect for the sport.
The first bout between Gotti III and Mayweather was one of the most talked-about events in recent combat sports history. Billed as a showdown between a rising MMA fighter and a boxing legend, the match turned chaotic, with both fighters exchanging heated words and the event ultimately descending into a brawl after it was called off prematurely. The scenes that unfolded after the fight left many fans questioning the legitimacy and sportsmanship involved.
According to Gotti III, the chaotic nature of the event stemmed largely from Mayweather’s provocative behavior. “I knew there would be trash talk; that’s part of the game,” Gotti III said in a recent interview. “But the way Floyd handled himself was disgraceful. He turned what should have been a competitive and respectful contest into a circus.”
Mayweather, known as much for his flamboyance and showmanship as his boxing skills, has always blurred the lines between entertainment and competition. In the fight against Gotti III, his taunts, playful demeanor, and exaggerated gestures seemed designed more to entertain the crowd than to engage in serious combat. While some saw it as classic Mayweather showmanship, Gotti III took offense to what he perceived as a lack of respect.
“Floyd was playing to the crowd, not taking it seriously,” Gotti III added. “He’s a legend, no doubt, but he wasn’t treating me—or the sport—with the respect it deserves. For someone like me who takes every fight seriously, it was disappointing to see.”
Gotti III went on to reveal how Mayweather’s behavior affected him during the fight. “It threw me off my game. I was expecting a real fight, but instead, it felt like I was being toyed with. I could feel the tension building because it was clear that the situation was getting out of control, and it was only a matter of time before things exploded.”
The aftermath of the fight saw emotions boil over, resulting in both camps clashing inside the ring and on social media. Gotti III believes that Mayweather’s antics not only disrespected the event but also overshadowed the skill and effort that he had put into preparing for the fight.
Despite the controversy, Gotti III is determined to move forward and focus on his career. He has expressed interest in returning to professional MMA while remaining open to future boxing exhibitions. However, he made it clear that any future opponents must share his respect for the sport.
“I’m here to compete and win—nothing more, nothing less,” Gotti III emphasized. “If we’re going to step into the ring, it should be done with honor and respect. I’m not interested in being part of any more circus acts.”
For John Gotti III, this experience serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with carrying a famous name while trying to establish his own identity in combat sports. While his bout with Mayweather may not have gone as planned, it has undoubtedly placed him on the radar of fight fans around the world. As he looks ahead, Gotti III is determined to create a legacy that transcends the controversies and lives up to the family name in his own unique way.
With the buzz surrounding his next move, all eyes will be on whether Gotti III can bounce back from the Mayweather debacle and continue to build his career—this time, with the respect and seriousness he believes the sport demands.
