Image via Complex Original
Boxing has its share of problems. Being boring is not one of them. Last night's Floyd Mayweather-Victor Ortiz fight featured one of the most controversial in-ring conclusions to a boxing match ever (if you've been living under a rock today and haven't seen it, watch it here), but the fireworks didn't stop there.
In the post-fight interview, the ever-engaging or ever-annoying (depending on where you sit) Larry Merchant repeatedly challenged Mayweather about the ethics of his win, and the conversation ended with Mayweather cursing Merchant and Merchant telling Mayweather he wished he was 50 years younger so he could kick Mayweather's ass.
Part of Merchant's appeal/schtick is being a confrontational interviewer, but he and Mayweather have a particularly contentious past. From Floyd's first title defense in 1998 to last night, they've repeatedly butted heads. Read on for a history of the Mayweather-Merchant beef.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Angel Manfredy
Year: Dec. 1998
Way back when Floyd was just 21 and Larry was only 37 years away from kicking his ass, Merchant was already giving Mayweather a hard time, saying, "You're only quick in the ring." We assume Merchant didn't think Floyd had much staying power.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Carlos Hernandez
Year: May 2001
Larry asks, "Are these knockout hands?" We're pretty sure that Larry wouldn't want to find out, even if he was 50 years younger.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Jose Luis Castillo
Year: April 2002
Was this the moment the whole thing went from Larry being Larry to something personal?
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Jose Luis Castillo 2
Year: July 2002
"Everybody is against Floyd Mayweather." And by everybody Floyd means you, Larry Merchant.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Sharmba Mitchell
Year: Nov. 2005
Larry pointed out that Floyd is about his money first, and why wouldn't he be? It was also stated that Larry came by Floyd's house to do an interview. That means Larry knows where Floyd lives, but since Floyd lives by his "protect yourself at all times" motto, it wouldn't be smart for Larry to send his goons over there.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Carlos Baldomir
Year: April 2006
Why can't Larry just give Floyd the credit he deserves?
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Oscar De La Hoya
Year: May 2007
Larry obviously wasn't impressed by Floyd's win and probably was hoping deep down that this would the last interview he had to do with Floyd. Guess again Larry. After the interview he even tried to make Floyd Sr. say that De La Hoya won. #cmonson
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Ricky Hatton
Year: August 2007
Larry was name dropping other boxers to make Floyd look like a punk when he said he accomplished everything there is do in his boxing career. This time Larry was unsuccessful at getting under Floyd's skin, but there would be other opportunities.
Floyd Mayweather vs Shane Mosley
Year: May 2010
So Larry admits to being one of Floyd's biggest critics? Like Floyd said, just stick to being a commentator Larry.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Victor Ortiz
Year: Sept. 2011
Say what you want about the end of the fight, we're pretty, pretty, pret-tay sure challenging your interview subject to a fight violates some sort of journalistic code.