Why was the ref changed during Mayweather vs Gotti fight? Has this happened before?

Floyd Mayweather Jr. once again displayed his boxing skills supremacy as he dominantly defeated John Gotti III during their eight-round exhibition match. Unlike their previous encounter, which ended in a chaotic street brawl, this match saw minimal action following Mayweather’s request for a new referee in the second round and Gotti’s below-the-belt hit on Mayweather.

Throughout the fight, Mayweather took control, relentlessly attacking Gotti while the Italian American struggled to land significant punches. This resulted in a lackluster and uninspiring match that left the crowd booing. Considering the lack of excitement and the outcome of the first fight, the pay-per-view cost may not have met the audience’s expectations. Gotti failed to mount any meaningful offense against Mayweather, allowing the seasoned boxer to dictate the flow of the fight.

The referee was changed mid-fight, and has this happened before?

In the exciting second round of the rematch, a peculiar situation occurred.

The referee’s decision to replace himself came after ruling that Mayweather’s punches had landed at the back of Gotti’s head, amidst strong protests from Mayweather, who claimed he was throwing a hook.

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Following a reprimand from the referee, Mayweather appeared visibly displeased. Moments later, he instructed the referee to exit the ring. As the tension subsided, a second referee resumed control, allowing the exhibition to continue without further interruption.

This is the first time, at least based on available boxing records that a referee has been substituted during a fight and in between rounds after one of the fighters criticized the quality of his refereeing.