In a stunning twist that has rocked the boxing world, Floyd Mayweather’s illustrious career faced a potential blemish in a fight against Canelo Alvarez, the man who would later become the face of boxing. The bout, held in 2013, was a showcase of Mayweather’s legendary skills, resulting in a majority decision victory that has since been tainted by controversy and the resignation of one judge.
Mayweather, boasting an unblemished record of 50-0, fought Canelo Alvarez, then a rising star with a record of 42-0-1, for the WBC super-welterweight title. Mayweather’s experience shone through as he outclassed the young challenger, but the official scorecards told a different story that left fans and commentators in disbelief.
While unofficial scorecards from ESPN had Mayweather winning decisively at 120-108, the judges’ scores were far from unanimous. Two judges scored the match 116-112 and 117-111, while judge C.J. Ross infamously called it a 114-114 draw. This controversial decision not only sparked outrage among boxing enthusiasts but also led to Ross’s abrupt withdrawal from the sport.
In an email to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, Ross stated, “I will be taking some time off from boxing but will keep in touch,” leaving many to speculate about the pressure and scrutiny she faced following the backlash.
This was not the first time C.J. Ross found herself at the center of controversy. Just over a year earlier, she had delivered an equally disputed scorecard in Manny Pacquiao’s title defense against Tim Bradley, which resulted in a split decision victory for Bradley that was widely criticized. Despite a commission review confirming Pacquiao’s rightful victory, the decision stood, further tarnishing Ross’s reputation.
As fans reflect on Mayweather’s remarkable career, the shadow of this controversial fight reminds us of the complexities and challenges within the world of boxing, where decisions can alter the course of careers and legacies.
