Floyd Mayweather is facing the most significant legal challenges of his post-retirement career, as the boxing legend is now entangled in criminal proceedings and a major civil lawsuit simultaneously. The legal battles come as he is scheduled to fight two exhibition fights against Mike Zambidis and Mike Tyson, followed by a return to legitimate professional boxing against rival boxer Manny Pacquiao.
According to ESPN, Mayweather is charged with two felonies stemming from an alleged incident in December 2024 involving a luxury watch purchase. In addition, a civil lawsuit was filed against Mayweather by promoter CSI Entertainment, which is seeking $4.65 million in damages, according to The Ring’s Mike Coppinger.
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Criminal Case
The criminal complaint alleges Mayweather issued a $200,000 check from his Wells Fargo account to the Las Vegas resale store Gold and Beyond to purchase an Audemars Piguet watch. The check was returned due to insufficient funds.
He was formally charged in April 2026 with theft and drawing a check without sufficient funds with the intent to defraud. Mayweather made an initial court appearance on Monday, June 15, in Las Vegas Justice Court.
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Mayweather's attorney, Adrian Lobo, revealed to ESPN that Mayweather had a longstanding business relationship with the owner of Gold and Beyond and that he “had absolutely no intent to defraud.”
His next court date is Sept. 17, two days before the initially announced fight against Manny Pacquiao on Sept. 19, which has since been postponed to Sept. 25.
Lawsuit
According to the complaint obtained by Ring Magazine, CSI Entertainment claims it paid millions in advances for two exhibition fights that fell through against fellow boxing legends Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao. The promoter alleges it made a total of $4.5 million in payments to Mayweather's management company, Frist Apex Ventures.
The promoter claims Mayweather personally signed off on the agreement for these exclusive rights. The situation escalated when Mayweather allegedly announced a different fight the day after receiving a $150,000 advance from CSI Entertainment.
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He publicly confirmed an exhibition bout against Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis with Frontrow Fight Series. CSI Entertainment is seeking an injunction to block Mayweather’s scheduled June 27 exhibition in Athens, Greece, arguing the fight against Zambidis violates their exclusive agreement.
The promoter also accused Mayweather of secretly negotiating a separate deal with streaming giant Netflix for his rematch with Pacquiao.
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It is unclear whether or not he will still face Mike Tyson in an exhibition fight, which CSI Entertainment had stated was postponed to fall 2026.
Legal Issues
This legal double blow comes while Mayweather has been facing a series of financial disputes this year.
Mayweather is also pursuing his own $340 million lawsuit against Showtime Networks, alleging the network mismanaged his career earnings.
In addition, Mayweather has been ordered to pay $1 million in child support for his illegitimate child.
