Paul George Stands Firm with Joe Rogan Amid Floyd Mayweather’s Controversial Referee Swap in Gotti III Bout
The boxing world has been ablaze with debate following Floyd Mayweather’s highly contentious decision to replace the referee mid-fight during his rematch with John Gotti III. The controversy, sparked by Mayweather’s challenge to a behind-the-head call made by referee Hector Afu, led to an unprecedented situation that left fans both in shock and awe. While the incident has divided public opinion, notable figures like NBA star Paul George and podcast giant Joe Rogan have stepped forward in support of Mayweather’s actions, igniting further discussion around the event.
The Incident That Shocked the Ring
The tension in the air was palpable on August 24th in Mexico City, where the boxing legend Floyd Mayweather faced off against John Gotti III in a rematch that was as much about pride as it was about skill. As the fight progressed, it became clear that Mayweather was not satisfied with the officiating. The turning point came in the second round when Gotti claimed that Mayweather had delivered a ‘rabbit punch’—a blow to the back of the head. Referee Hector Afu agreed with Gotti’s assessment, a decision that Mayweather vehemently disputed.
In a move that stunned both the audience and the boxing community, Mayweather ordered the referee to leave the ring, effectively firing him on the spot. The replacement referee, stepping in under extraordinary circumstances, managed to bring the situation under control, allowing the fight to continue for the next four rounds. Despite the controversy, the match ended without an official winner, but the drama inside the ring had already captured the world’s attention.
“It was a bad call. He threw a hook. It connected like it wasn’t a back of the head shot,” the 9x NBA All-Star said on Podcast P With Paul George. “Ref tried to say he hit him in the back of the head. It was a clean hook. Floyd like ‘Man get out. Get out of here, man.’”
Celebrity Voices Weigh In
In the aftermath of the bout, the incident became a hot topic of discussion, with fans and commentators alike divided on whether Mayweather’s actions were justified. Among those who have voiced their opinions are Joe Rogan and Paul George, both of whom have sided with Mayweather in this heated debate.
Joe Rogan, known for his candid takes on his popular podcast, did not hold back his criticism of the original referee’s call. Speaking alongside guest Andrew Huberman, Rogan slammed the decision, stating, “The first referee was terrible. He said Floyd Mayweather hit Gotti behind the head. Absolutely incorrect call. It’s Floyd Mayweather. What’s the referee going to do? ‘F*** you, I’m gonna stop the fight?’ They’re in Mexico City, like you could get killed.”
Rogan’s strong words resonated with many, but it was NBA star Paul George who took the support a step further. On his podcast, Podcast P with Paul George, the 9-time NBA All-Star echoed Rogan’s sentiments, asserting that the referee’s call was indeed a mistake. “It was a bad call. He threw a hook. It connected like it wasn’t a back-of-the-head shot,” George stated. He went on to describe how Mayweather’s reaction was justified, adding, “Floyd was like, ‘Man get out. Get out of here, man.’”
“The first referee was terrible, and the referee called Floyd—said Floyd Mayweather hit him (Gotti) behind the head. Absolutely incorrect call.” Furthermore, Joe used the opportunity to highlight the reputation that the 15-time World Champion holds by claiming “It’s Floyd Mayweather. Like, what’s the referee going to do? ‘F*** you, I’m gonna stop the fight?’ Also, they’re in Mexico City, like you could get killed.”
Paul George’s Unwavering Support
Paul George’s endorsement of Mayweather’s decision is not surprising given his admiration for the boxing icon. In a previous episode of his podcast, George had recounted a moment where he copied NBA star Steph Curry’s signature shimmy move, not to pay homage to Curry, but to impress Mayweather, who was watching the game courtside. “I was looking at Floyd, and when we locked eyes, I just had to swag out. That’s when the shimmy came,” George explained.
The deep respect George holds for Mayweather undoubtedly played a role in his defense of the boxer during the recent controversy. For George, the issue was clear—Mayweather’s legacy and reputation in the sport warranted the bold move of dismissing a referee who, in his view, had made a crucial error.
The Aftermath and Fan Reactions
The debate over Mayweather’s decision to swap referees mid-round has continued to rage on social media. While some fans have criticized the move as unsportsmanlike, others have praised Mayweather for standing his ground and ensuring that the fight was officiated fairly. The replacement referee’s ability to calm the situation and allow the match to proceed without further incident has been seen by some as a testament to Mayweather’s leadership in the ring.
“You know who I was looking at? I was looking at Floyd,” George said on his pod. “So, at first I was just like galloping, right? And then me and Floyd locked eyes and so that’s when the shimmy like ‘alright let me swag out now’, like that’s where the shimmy came.”
Paul George’s public backing of Mayweather has further fueled the discussion, with many fans taking to Twitter and other platforms to express their opinions. The incident has also raised questions about the role of referees in high-stakes boxing matches and whether athletes of Mayweather’s caliber should have the authority to challenge and even replace officials during a fight.
As the dust begins to settle, one thing remains clear—Floyd Mayweather’s decision has left an indelible mark on the sport, and the debate surrounding it is far from over.
