Mayweather Scores Controversial Knockout

By - Kris Fletcher

Floyd Mayweather knocked out Victor Ortiz in the fourth round of their welterweight title fight last night, but the way it ended probably cemented his reputation as a villain in the eyes of most boxing fans.

Photo by: Eric Jamison

Late in round four, Ortiz head-butted Mayweather and was given a warning by the referee. Ortiz apologized to Mayweather, and leaned in as if to give him a hug while the ref gave a signal to resume fighting. Mayweather used that brief opening to throw a bomb that knocked Ortiz out.

"I got hit by a dirty shot," Mayweather said following the fight. "The rule is to protect yourself at all times. I did nothing wrong."

Referee Joe Cortez agreed, later adding: "Time was in. Victor should have kept his guard up. Floyd did nothing illegal."

Mayweather's record now stands at a perfect 42-0, with 26 of those victories coming by way of knockout. With the loss, Ortiz falls to 29-3.