• Boxing

Mayweather apologises for social media slur

ESPN staff
September 17, 2013
Floyd Mayweather celebrates his win at the weekend © AP
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Floyd Mayweather Jr issued an apology for a social media post that appeared to ridicule Oscar De La Hoya for having checked into a substance abuse treatment facility.

De La Hoya announced last week that he would miss last Saturday's bout between Mayweather and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez to check into a rehab facility. The fight was promoted by De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions.

The Los Angeles Times reported that a photo of De La Hoya was posted to Mayweather's Instagram account, accompanied by the headline "MEANWHILE IN REHAB" and a caption that read: "OSCAR: I gave Canelo the wrong blueprint I was high."

"It's unfortunate that a stupid picture was posted to my Instagram account earlier today that was not posted by me or authorised by me to post," Mayweather said in a statement on his official website. "As I clearly stated during my fight week and again in the post-fight press conference, I completely support Oscar De La Hoya and his family during this difficult time in his life. I stand by him unconditionally and would never personally disrespect him or anyone else who struggles with addiction.

"I apologise to Oscar and his family for this posting. I wish him well and am rooting for him to win his fight too. I also apologise to all of my followers for this ridiculous post. I have no ill-will towards anyone."

Mayweather defeated Alvarez by majority decision .

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