Following their contentious 2011 fight, Victor Ortiz has repeatedly voiced dissatisfaction over the knockout ending that Floyd Mayweather Jr. achieved under controversial circumstances. The bout ended in the fourth round when Mayweather, capitalizing on what some fans saw as a lapse in sportsmanship, threw a punch while Ortiz appeared to be attempting an apology for a headbutt moments earlier. The referee, Joe Cortez, had signaled for the fight to continue but was seemingly caught off guard by the sudden attack, leaving Ortiz vulnerable.

Over the years, Ortiz has revisited this incident, often hinting at what he believes was an unfair advantage taken by Mayweather. He has suggested that Mayweather’s quick response to his apology was an example of unsportsmanlike conduct that should have been monitored more closely by the referee. Ortiz has also questioned whether the referee’s handling of the incident might have affected the fight’s outcome, especially given the potential for distractions as Cortez signaled for them to resume.

Ortiz has publicly expressed his desire for a rematch with Mayweather multiple times, once even claiming he would fight Mayweather for free, underscoring his wish to settle the score fairly in the ring. His fans have shown consistent support for a rematch, feeling that the knockout victory did not fully reflect Ortiz’s skill or the competitive nature of the fight leading up to that point.

However, while Ortiz’s frustration with the fight’s conclusion and his calls for a rematch are well-documented, there is no verified record of him demanding a formal apology from Mayweather or requesting a $15 million rematch. Instead, Ortiz’s remarks have focused on his desire to redeem himself and prove his capability in a fair and balanced match.