*Floyd Mayweather, one of the richest and most recognizable athletes in boxing history, is facing felony criminal charges in Nevada over allegations that he used a bad check to purchase a luxury watch worth $200,000.
According to Clark County court records obtained by ESPN, prosecutors have charged Mayweather with felony theft involving property valued at more than $100,000 and drawing or passing a check with intent to defraud.
Mayweather did not personally appear at a court hearing Monday. Instead, he was represented by legal counsel, whose appearance reportedly satisfied a previous court order requiring the retired boxing champion to appear before a judge.
The criminal complaint stems from a transaction involving Gold and Beyond, a high-end luxury resale boutique in Las Vegas.
Court records indicate the Audemars Piguet watch was purchased on Dec. 25, 2024. Prosecutors allege that six days later, on Dec. 31, Mayweather wrote a $200,000 check from a Wells Fargo account to pay for the watch despite allegedly knowing there were insufficient funds or credit available to cover the amount.
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The complaint further alleges that Mayweather obtained the watch while knowing the check would not be honored when presented for payment.
If convicted, the consequences could be significant.
Under Nevada law, the fraud-related charge carries a potential prison sentence of one to four years, along with fines and restitution. The felony theft charge carries a possible prison sentence ranging from one to 20 years and additional financial penalties.
The allegations have attracted attention because Mayweather has long cultivated an image of extraordinary wealth. Throughout his boxing career and retirement, he became known for displaying stacks of cash, luxury vehicles, private jets and expensive jewelry on social media. The contrast between that public image and the allegations contained in the criminal complaint quickly became a point of discussion among fans and observers.
Attempts To Resolve Matter
Marc Cook, an attorney representing Gold and Beyond, told ESPN that his client initially hoped to avoid criminal charges and resolve the matter privately.
According to Cook, the boutique filed a complaint with the Clark County District Attorney’s Office in February after repeated attempts to collect payment allegedly failed.
“The reason for the delay is that my guy trusted Mayweather and was trying to give him every opportunity to make good on that,” Cook told ESPN.
Cook said his client pursued multiple avenues to recover the money but eventually felt ignored after months of unsuccessful communication.
Neither Mayweather’s legal team nor the Clark County District Attorney’s Office immediately commented on the allegations.
Another Legal Challenge
The criminal case adds to a growing list of legal and financial disputes involving the former world champion.
Court filings in several states show ongoing civil litigation involving Mayweather and various business associates. In separate matters, plaintiffs have alleged that Mayweather owes them money.
Public records also show the Internal Revenue Service has placed a tax lien exceeding $7.2 million against Mayweather for unpaid taxes tied to multiple tax years. A homeowners association in the Las Vegas area has reportedly filed an additional lien seeking more than $22,000.
While the criminal case is separate from those disputes, the various legal matters have continued to draw scrutiny to Mayweather’s business dealings in recent years. The former champion has consistently maintained his financial strength despite periodic reports questioning his finances and ongoing legal obligations.
Earlier this year, Mayweather filed lawsuits seeking a combined $515 million against Showtime and former business associates, alleging fraud and breach of fiduciary duty.
Upcoming Fight Still On Schedule
Mayweather’s upcoming exhibition boxing match in Greece does not appear to be in jeopardy despite the felony charges.
The undefeated boxing icon is scheduled to face kickboxer Mike Zambidis on June 27 in Athens.
According to ESPN, a source close to Mayweather said he still possesses his passport and is expected to travel overseas as planned.
The source acknowledged that concerns were raised at one point regarding possible passport restrictions related to his federal tax issues. However, Mayweather’s attorneys have reportedly been working with the IRS, allowing him to travel internationally and return to the United States without interruption.
For now, the legal battle in Nevada remains separate from his boxing activities.
But the allegations have placed another spotlight on a sports figure whose post-retirement years have frequently generated headlines outside the ring as much as inside it. Whether the case is ultimately resolved through the courts or a negotiated settlement, it represents another high-profile legal challenge for one of boxing’s most successful and controversial figures.
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