Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather is facing serious legal trouble in Las Vegas after prosecutors accused him of writing a bad check to purchase a luxury watch. The 49-year-old former five-division world champion was charged in April with theft and passing a check without sufficient funds with intent to defraud. He appeared in court Monday through his attorney and is scheduled for a hearing in September.
Prosecutors in Clark County allege that Mayweather wrote a $200,000 check to Gold and Beyond, a luxury designer resale store in Las Vegas, in December 2024. According to court documents, the check was written through a Wells Fargo account that did not have enough money to cover the payment. The purchase was reportedly an Audemars Piguet watch that Mayweather obtained on Christmas Day.
The criminal complaint states that Mayweather acted “knowingly, feloniously, and without lawful authority”. The check was deposited and returned unpaid, and a certified letter demanding payment reportedly went unanswered.
Marc Cook, an attorney representing Gold and Beyond, told ESPN that the business initially tried to resolve the issue without involving authorities. “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 explained. The watch had remained in Mayweather’s possession for well over a year while payment remained unresolved. After multiple attempts to collect, the store filed a complaint with the Clark County District Attorney’s Office in February.
Under Nevada law, the fraud charge carries a potential sentence of one to four years in prison, plus fines and restitution. The theft charge is more severe, with a possible prison term ranging from one to 20 years. Mayweather was not physically present for his initial hearing on Monday but was represented by counsel. His next court date is set for September.
The criminal charges add to a string of legal disputes surrounding the former boxing champion. Mayweather has been sued in New York over unpaid rent at a Manhattan apartment and has faced financial disagreements with multiple jewelers. He also filed a lawsuit against his former business manager, alleging a yearslong fraud scheme. Despite earning over $1 billion during his career, reports indicate Mayweather has a tax lien of more than $7.2 million from the IRS. He has also been in a legal dispute with Showtime Networks for over $340 million.
Floyd Mayweather’s legal troubles continue to mount as he faces felony charges that could result in significant prison time. With his next court date set for September, the boxing icon must navigate a complex legal landscape while also preparing for a scheduled exhibition bout in Greece. The outcome of this case could have lasting consequences for Mayweather’s legacy and finances.
