Floyd Mayweather Jr. is returning to the boxing ring against an opponent with arguably the most intriguing background of anyone he’s ever fought. That’s saying something considering he has fought high-profile matches against Conor McGregor and Logan Paul.
Mayweather is set to fight in a pay-per-view match June 11 in Sunrise, Florida, against John Gotti III. If the name rings a bell, it’s because Gotti is the grandson of John Gotti, former head of the notorious Gambino crime family.
The fight is fittingly billed as “Last Names Matter.”
Welterweight Fight Sunday Jun 11 Floyd Mayweather Vs John Gotti Iii Location: Fla Live Arena In Sunrise, Florida
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The 30-year-old Gotti has limited but impressive fighting experience, with a 5-1 record in mixed martial arts competition and a 2-0 boxing record.
Gotti told The New York Post he grew up idolizing Mayweather.
“But make no mistake, June 11 I’m bringing bad intentions to that man,” Gotti said recently (via The Post). “I don’t care if it’s an exhibition or not. You signed to fight me, there’s no quarter. It’s kill or be killed.”
Mayweather, 46, officially retired from boxing in 2017 with an undefeated 50-0 record. His career included everything from an Olympic medal and three U.S. Golden Gloves championships to titles in five different weight classes.
Gotti’s father, John “Junior” Gotti, told The Post he’s proud of his son.
“This is a true ‘Rocky’ story. … I’m proud of my son and all that he has accomplished,” Junior Gotti said. “When my son said he would leave his own mark in this world, he meant it. Here’s a kid who has no vices, doesn’t smoke, doesn’t drink and has an awe-inspiring work ethic. On top of that he’s loyal to a fault. How do you not root for such a man?”
