Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Larry Merchant: Boxing Continues Its Tailspin

The sport of professional boxing took another step backwards Saturday night when Floyd Mayweather Jr. knocked out Victor Ortiz at the 2:59 mark of the fourth round inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV.

Too bad it wasn't the main event, but in the post-fight interview, when Mayweather took on HBO ring-side reporter Larry Merchant.

It was an ugly scene and something that should never occur, but then again—this is a dying sport we're talking about.

This really sets the stage for Mayweather taking on Manny Pacquiao, as the promotion for that fight is now officially in motion.

Ortiz was simply along for the ride and showed his inexperience in the fight's most crucial moment. 

He lost his focus after forcefully head butting Mayweather earlier in the round, which ultimately led to ending up on the canvas after two vicious shots.

The motto in the ring is "protect yourself at all times" and Ortiz failed.

Did Mayweather win in cheap fashion?  That's debatable. 

Did it cheapen the fight?  Not likely, as Ortiz was outclassed from the opening bell.

Merchant may have been Mayweather's best fight yet—only Pacquiao stands in his way for his title shot.

We're all talking about boxing again, but the sport will likely fail in delivering the fight that everyone wants to see.