**Update: Mayweather vs Larry Merchant video, Post fight press conference and more pics added**
It's hard to say what was more compelling. Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s dominating performance in winning over Victor Ortiz Saturday night (September 17), or his post fight argument with HBO announcer Larry Merchant.
Although Ortiz had his moments during the fight, he was dominated by Mayweather, who despite a 15-month layoff looked sharp during the entire fight.
The ending of the fight came suddenly, and brutally in a bizarre fourth round that saw Ortiz head butt Mayweather. At that point the referee separated the fighters to warn Ortiz, and to deduct 1 point for the foul. He then signasl for the fighters to start fighting again. They touch gloves and Mayweather throws a left, right combination catching Ortiz flush, putting him to sleep.
At the time Ortiz looked confused as to whether the fight had started again, but you're always told to protect yourself at all times.
Referee Joe Ortez wasn't looking at the fighters when the ko occured. He got distracted looking at the timekeeper, and can clearly be heard asking "did the bell ring?"
Cortez basically lost control of the fight. The punches Mayweather landed were legal. The referee acknowledged after the fight that Mayweather had done nothing wrong.
"Time was 'in' and the fighter has to have his guard up," Cortez said. "Mayweather did nothing wrong."
Keith Kizer, executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, also said the punches were legal according to MLive.
"Cortez pointed to the timekeeper," Kizer said, "and time was 'in.' Floyd's punches came a second after time was back 'in.' "
During his post fight interview with Larry Merchant, Mayweather got very heated at Merchant's persistent questioning about the punches. Finally Mayweather got tired of it, and went off on the announcer.
"You never give me a fair shake. HBO needs to fire you," Mayweather screamed. "You don't know sh*t about boxing."
"I wish I was 50 years younger and I'd kick your ass," the 71- year old Merchant yelled back.
Ortiz took the loss well. He apologized for the head butt, and said he still has a lot to learn.
"There's two ways to look at it but as far as I was concerned I came here to entertain the fans and I think they were entertained," Ortiz said. "There was a miscommunication with the referee but nobody is perfect and this was a learning experience."
The win raised Money May's record to 42-0. He also claimed Ortiz's WBC Welterweight Championship belt.
After the fight the Money Team was in a celebratory mood.
"What's all the ca motion oh THE MONEY TEAM. Its just another victory. LMAO," 50 Cent wrote on twitter. He later posted a pic of a Hublot watch he was given by the champion. "Look what my boy @FloydMayweather got for me. Cool its called king power SK."
Final Round Of Fight (Controversial Ending)
Floyd Mayweather Jr. going off on Larry Merchant
Post fight press conference pt. 1 [Floyd Mayeather] "You wanted to see a knockout, that's what I gave you."
Post fight press conference pt 2 [Victor Ortiz]
50 Cent and Money Mayweather celebrating after the fight.
50 rocking new Hublot watch givent to him by Floyd Mayweather Jr.
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