Floyd Mayweather lands in further legal trouble one week before comeback fight

Floyd Mayweather’s legal problems continue to pile up.

The legendary five-weight world champion is facing two felony charges over allegations that he passed a bad cheque to buy a $200,000 (£149,111) watch in December 2024.

Getty

Mayweather’s charges are of theft and “intent to defraud”.

According to Clark County court documents, reviewed by ESPN, an initial criminal complaint was filed on April 27 before Mayweather was ordered to appear in court three days later.

Mayweather was not present for the hearing on Monday, but was represented by his counsel. 

The complaint alleges Mayweather wrote a $200,000 cheque for an Audemars Piguet watch he purchased at an upmarket Las Vegas store, while having “insufficient money, property, or credit” in his account to pay the full amount.

The document also alleges that Mayweather did so “knowing that the check would not be paid when presented”.

According to Nevada state law, Mayweather could face one to four years in prison if he is found guilty of “intent to defraud, value $1,200 or greater”, plus a fine of up to $5,000 fine and restitution costs.

His charge of “theft, value $100,000 or greater” also carries potential prison time of one to 20 years and up to $15,000 in fines.

Marc Cook, an attorney for the store in question, Gold & Beyond, said his client had initially filed a complaint in February.

Explaining the delay in pressing charges, Cook added, “My guy trusted Mayweather and was trying to give him every opportunity to make good on that.

“And it got to the point where he wasn’t getting responses and wasn’t getting money for a watch that Mayweather had for well over a year.”

Getty

Mayweather’s attorney, Adrian Lobo, told ESPN that her client, “had absolutely no intent to defraud” Gold and Beyond.

Adding: “This matter does not belong in the criminal courts.

“And Mr. Mayweather looks forward to being vindicated through the court proceedings.”

Mayweather’s ongoing legal issues

The felony charges are the latest in a long list of legal battles.

Claimants in separate civil cases across at least four states allege Mayweather owes them money.

The IRS also has a lien of $7.3million against Mayweather for unpaid taxes between 2018 and 2023.

These problems come amid a planned return to the ring against kickboxing legend Mike Zambidis on June 27 in Athens, Greece.

A rematch with Manny Pacquiao is then set for September 25 in Las Vegas.

Boxing schedule

For all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out talkSPORT.com’s  boxing schedule.