John Gotti III has rapidly become a notable name in the boxing world, particularly after his exhibition match with Floyd Mayweather Jr. captured global attention. For many, the name “Gotti” immediately sparks recognition, deeply intertwined with the annals of organized crime. Indeed, John Gotti III is the grandson of the infamous John Gotti, often dubbed “The Teflon Don,” who once reigned as the head of the Gambino crime family, a dominant force in mafia history.
The Weight of a Name: Gotti III on Family Legacy
“There’s no getting around it,” Gotti III acknowledged in an interview with Bleacher Report early in his combat sports journey. “Throughout my career, the name is always going to be attached to me.” He openly recognizes the inescapable connection to his lineage. “My father and my grandfather, they’re a part of me. But this is a different avenue that I’m taking.” Highlighting his unique path, he emphasizes, “Nobody in my family ever pursued sports to this degree or became a professional athlete. They never went down that road, so this is a whole different road I’m going down.” He contrasts his path with family expectations, noting, “It’s not like my name is Frank, like my brother. I share the name ‘John Gotti’.”
His grandfather’s legacy is shadowed by a conviction for murder, attempted manslaughter, and orchestrating murder, solidifying his status as a notorious figure in American crime history, leading one of the most powerful crime families. John Gotti Sr. was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1998 and passed away on June 10, 2002, at the age of 61.
Despite the historical weight of his name, John Gotti III is determined to forge his own identity. “My name is my name but, slowly but surely, even now, I’m starting to pave my own way, so to speak,” Gotti III stated to the UFC. “I’m not looking to run from it. I embrace it. I fight for my name and the legacy of my name, so I’m just trying to be positive for myself and the future generations of my family.” He aims to redefine the Gotti name through his dedication and hard work in the world of combat sports, stepping into the spotlight on his own terms.
