Mayweather’s Referee Removal: Joe Rogan Weighs In
Floyd Mayweather and John Gotti III’s Aug. 24, 2024, exhibition rematch in Mexico City drew attention when referee Hector Afu left the ring during the second round after warning Mayweather for a punch to the back of Gotti’s head. Mexican official Alfredo Uruzquieta took over, and Joe Rogan later backed Mayweather’s objection on his podcast.
What happened with the referee
In the second round, Afu warned Mayweather after ruling that a punch landed to the back of Gotti’s head. Mayweather objected and gestured for Afu to leave; the referee then exited the ring and was replaced. The incident was unusual, but accounts differ on whether to describe Afu as having been “fired” or as having left after the confrontation. BBC Sport report.
The bout continued for eight rounds at Arena Ciudad de México. It was an exhibition, so there was no official competitive result. The World Boxing Council noted the referee change and criticized the disruption. WBC report.
Rogan’s reaction
On the Aug. 27 episode of The Joe Rogan Experience with Andrew Huberman, Rogan agreed with Mayweather’s complaint, describing the referee’s call as wrong. That was Rogan’s opinion about the footage, not an official review of the officiating. Episode 2195.
The moment renewed discussion about the referee’s role in exhibition boxing and who has authority to replace an official during a bout.
Sources
Tags: Boxing
