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The battle between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Victor Ortiz, titled "Star Power", was more than just a fight for Ortiz's WBC welterweight title. This unforgettable championship took place on September 17, 2011, at the MGM Grand in Paradise, Nevada. It was a clash between two boxing titans that would forever be etched in the annals of boxing history[^1^].
The Fight: A Display of Skill and Controversy
From the very beginning, Mayweather showcased his lightning-fast speed and accuracy, repeatedly landing clean shots with his powerful right hand. He seemed to be in complete control during the first three rounds, with the judges' scores reflecting his dominance (30-27, 30-27, 29-28 for Mayweather). However, in the fourth round, Ortiz managed to find some success, landing a few shots that caught Mayweather off guard[^2^].
But the turning point of the fight came with a controversial incident. Ortiz, in an apparent act of frustration, intentionally headbutted Mayweather, causing a cut inside and outside Mayweather's mouth. Referee Joe Cortez immediately called a timeout and deducted a point from Ortiz for the foul. Ortiz, seemingly remorseful, hugged and kissed Mayweather in the corner. As the fight resumed, Mayweather caught Ortiz off guard with a left hook, followed by a flush right to the face. Ortiz dropped to the canvas and couldn't beat the referee's count[^3^].
"In the ring, you have to protect yourself at all times," Mayweather declared after the event. While some criticized his actions, Mayweather emphasized the importance of staying alert during a fight. This controversial finale added to the drama and intrigue surrounding the encounter.
Fight Earnings: Breaking Records
Mayweather, known for his unparalleled boxing skills and charisma, was handsomely rewarded for his victory. He earned a guaranteed $25 million, with the potential to increase that amount depending on the pay-per-view numbers. Ortiz, too, received a substantial payout of $2 million[^4^].
The Mayweather vs. Victor Ortiz bout generated a whopping 1.25 million pay-per-view buys, resulting in a revenue of $78,440,000. This incredible figure made it the third highest-grossing non-heavyweight pay-per-view event of all time[^5^].
The Main Card: A Night of Thrilling Fights
The undercard of this historic event also featured some remarkable battles. The main card included:
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Welterweight Championship bout: Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Victor Ortiz
- Mayweather emerged victorious via knockout in the fourth round[^6^].
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Light Welterweight Championship bout: Erik Morales vs. Pablo César Cano
- Morales defeated Cano via technical knockout in the tenth round[^6^].
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Light Welterweight bout: Jessie Vargas vs. Josésito López
- Vargas secured a split decision victory over López (scores: 95-94, 94-95, 96-93)[^6^].
Reflecting on an Iconic Event
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Victor Ortiz showdown left an indelible mark on the world of boxing. It was more than just a fight; it was a clash of titans, a rollercoaster of emotions, and an unforgettable spectacle for both boxing enthusiasts and casual fans alike.
This legendary event showcased Mayweather's skill, Ortiz's determination, and the unpredictable nature of the sport. It solidified Mayweather's status as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of all time and left boxing fans eagerly anticipating his next move.
With its mix of controversy, drama, and explosive action, the Mayweather vs. Ortiz fight will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of boxing aficionados across the globe.
Caption: Floyd Mayweather Jr. celebrates his victory over Victor Ortiz
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References
[^1^]: Source: Wikipedia [^2^]: Source: Wikipedia [^3^]: Source: Wikipedia [^4^]: Source: Wikipedia [^5^]: Source: Wikipedia [^6^]: Source: Wikipedia
