Is Floyd Mayweather vs. John Gotti III an exhibition? Rules of the rematch explained

The much-awaited Floyd Mayweather vs. John Gotti III rematch has piqued fan interest, primarily due to the controversial manner in which their first fight ended. Mayweather faced Gotti in an exhibition boxing bout at the FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida, U.S.A., on June 11, 2023.

'Money' thoroughly out-boxed Gotti, and many believe he'd have been the consensus winner of their fight. Nevertheless, excessive fouling and mid-fight trash talk by both pugilists led referee Kenny Bayless to wave the match off in round six. The consensus was that it'd ended in a double DQ (disqualification). Alternatively, some reports suggested that the verdict was an NC (No Contest).

A furious Gotti then made his way past Bayless and attacked Floyd Mayweather, who defended himself. Both fighters' entourages brawled inside the ring. It also precipitated several brawls among the audience. Gotti subsequently received a six-month suspension from the Florida State Athletic Commission.

Watch the fight's ending and post-match brawl below:

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Is Floyd Mayweather vs. John Gotti III an exhibition?

The first Floyd Mayweather vs. John Gotti III fight, which transpired in June 2023, was an exhibition boxing bout scheduled for eight two-minute rounds. Generally, if a boxing exhibition goes the distance, there is no official winner declared. It happens even if one fighter has clearly outpointed the other in the exhibition.

However, that's not necessarily a rule, as evidenced by the Oscar De La Hoya vs. Shaquille O'Neal exhibition in 2009. It went the distance and saw De La Hoya declared as the winner via unanimous decision.

Additionally, if a boxer defeats their opponent via knockout (KO/TKO), they're declared as the fight's winner. Besides, the official judges can declare the match a draw as well. A notable instance of a high-profile exhibition boxing match ending in a draw, a split draw in this case, was when the legendary Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. went the distance in their fight in Nov. 2020.

Watch Tyson and Jones' reactions to their match being declared a draw below:

Speaking of the Floyd Mayweather vs. John Gotti III rematch, it'll be an exhibition boxing bout that's scheduled for eight two-minute rounds. As reported by talkSPORT, the match won't have judges.

The exhibition matchup could end within the distance if either or both fighters get knocked out, or if the referee feels they aren't physically capable of continuing the fight. It could also end in a DQ or No Contest.

Usually, exhibition boxing matches are centered more around the participants displaying their techniques and engaging in a friendly, entertaining contest. Rather than wearing mere boxing shorts as seen in professional boxing, boxers could don additional civilian clothing as La Hoya and O'Neal did in their exhibition.

Furthermore, some fighters choose to sport protective headgear in their exhibitions to help mitigate the impact of the opponent's punches. Regardless, the first Floyd Mayweather vs. John Gotti III fight saw neither fighter wear headgear, and they're likely to go without it in the rematch as well.

The Floyd Mayweather vs. John Gotti III rematch takes place at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico, on Aug. 24, 2024.