No doubt, criticisms of Mayweather Jr will pour out and deservedly so, but there is plenty of blame to go around. In competitive sports, the goal most of the time is to win and get as much advantage from your opponent's mistake and Mayweather Jr did just that.
Remember there is a saying, "Winning is not everything, it's the only thing." Unfortunately this incident, is also a depiction of the current state of sports, where many times its equally important aspects such as teamwork, discipline, focus and sportmanship are ignored for the cause of winning. Sometimes the media and fans are so quick to judge and ridicule the 'losers', while over praising the winners and ignoring their mistakes.
I don't condone Mayweather's unsportmanlike conduct since there was no excuse for what he did. Sure Ortiz headbutted him, but the former did it in the heat of the moment and things like that happen when fighting at close quarters. Mayweather's action on the other hand was premeditated and it's not far-fetched to think that he was looking for an easy way out since Ortiz was performing better than expected.
Ortiz was taking his best shot and becoming more comfortable as the fight went on, which was understandable since it was his first fight at a big stage. The Berto fight was a great fight, but no where near the level of fighting Mayweather Jr on a Pay Per View card. Ortiz was able to take Mayweather Jr into uncomfortable positions such trapping him in the ropes. Mayweather was able to block most of Ortiz's punches, but the toll on blocking them with his hands and shoulders could have taken a toll on him if the fight would have continued on.
But there is also a reason why Ortiz didn't make much of a ruckus about the decision. At the end of the day it was his responsibility to protect himself at all times when he steps inside the ring. Also, Mayweather sucker punched him already before taking the hit that knocked him out. He had a chance to gather himself after the first punch and fight back, but instead he looked away and tried to get the ref's attention.
In addition, Cortez should also be held responsible for the incident since he failed to obtain full control of the situation. He called for a break in order to reprimand Victor Ortiz and deduct a point, which was the right call, but its also his responsibility that both fighters are aware that time has been called in. It wasn't clear on the replays if he did, actually he was seen still talking to the judges about the point deduction when the punches were thrown by Mayweather Jr. So fans definitely have reasonable reasons to complain.
As Reynante Pascual Santiago, an avid boxing fans said, "Why count out Ortiz, when there was no go signal yet coming from him telling it's time to fight. No more rematch. It's time for a fight with Pacquiao to see who is really the best."
What Cortez should have done was hold on to Ortiz until he was done confirming about the point deductions. I don't doubt that Mayweather Jr would have mentioned about Cortez calling time in, if he did in order to minimize any criticims. So as much as I blame Ortiz for his lapse in judgement, Cortez's mistake shouldn't be overlooked. It's funny how slow he was in handling the point deductions situation and not seeing the unfortunate incident unfolding, yet so fast in counting out Ortiz.
I'm sure many would agree that Mayweather Jr most likely would have still came out victorious because of his ability to adjust and superior package of skills, but it would have been nice to see him earn it. Oh well, it's another black eye for boxing, but for consolation sake at least we know Cortez will definitely be on Mayweather's Christmast list.
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