Floyd Mayweather's reputation as a formidable boxer has long been cemented, but it appears his financial acumen may not be quite so sharp. The former world champion is now facing two felony charges in Nevada stemming from an alleged bad check used to purchase a $200,000 watch at a Las Vegas store in December 2024. Court records obtained by ESPN reveal that Mayweather wrote a cheque for the high-end timepiece, but unfortunately for him, his bank account did not contain sufficient funds to cover the payment.
The charges suggest that Mayweather was aware, or at least recklessly indifferent, to the fact that the cheque would be dishonoured when presented. The store in question, Gold & Beyond, had given Mayweather ample opportunity to rectify the situation but chose not to do so. It is only now, several months later, that authorities have taken action, with a complaint filed by the store against Mayweather in February.
Mayweather's financial struggles are well-documented, including a $7.3m lien levied by the Internal Revenue Service for unpaid taxes. Despite amassing a significant fortune during his boxing career – he retired undefeated with a 50-0 record – it appears that Mayweather has struggled to manage his finances effectively.
The implications of this case extend far beyond Mayweather himself, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of using bad cheques. If found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison, a prospect that should give pause to those who might consider engaging in similar behaviour.