Boxing Legend Floyd Mayweather Embroiled in Felony Check Fraud Scandal

Boxing icon Floyd Mayweather is currently facing two felony charges in Nevada: "theft, value $100,000 or greater" and "draw or pass check with intent to defraud, value $1,200 or greater." These charges stem from allegations that Mayweather passed a bad check to purchase a $200,000 Audemars Piguet watch from Gold and Beyond, a high-end Las Vegas resale boutique.

According to court records obtained by ESPN, Clark County prosecutors filed an initial criminal complaint on April 27, 2026, followed by a court order for Mayweather to appear before a judge. Mayweather was not present at the Clark County court hearing on Monday, June 16, 2026, but was represented by his counsel, fulfilling the court order.

The criminal complaint alleges that Mayweather wrote a $200,000 check from a Wells Fargo Bank account to Gold and Beyond on December 31, 2024, for a watch reportedly purchased on December 25, 2024. Prosecutors claim Mayweather wrote the check despite having "insufficient money, property, or credit" in the account to cover the full amount. The theft charge specifically states that Mayweather wrote the check "in exchange for obtaining property or services" while "knowing that the check would not be paid when presented," acting "knowingly, feloniously, and without lawful authority."

If convicted, Mayweather could face significant penalties. The fraud charge carries a potential sentence of one to four years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine, in addition to restitution costs, as per Nevada state law. Felony theft, a more serious offense, could result in prison terms ranging from one to 20 years and fines up to $15,000.

Marc Cook, an attorney representing Gold and Beyond, stated on Tuesday that his client filed the complaint with the Clark County District Attorney's office in February. Cook explained the delay, noting that his client initially trusted Mayweather and attempted to give him every opportunity to resolve the issue. However, after receiving no responses or payment for the watch Mayweather had possessed for over a year, his client felt compelled to press charges, having exhausted other avenues.

Mayweather's attorney, Adrian Lobo, issued a statement asserting that her client "had absolutely no intent to defraud" Gold and Beyond. Lobo highlighted Mayweather's long-standing business relationship with the store's owner, both before and after the alleged transaction. She contended that the dispute is civil in nature and should not be handled in criminal courts, expressing Mayweather's expectation to be vindicated through the court proceedings. Lobo also confirmed that Mayweather has no travel restrictions related to the case and his next court date is scheduled for September 17.

These felony charges add to a lengthy list of legal challenges for Mayweather. He is also entangled in separate civil cases in at least four states, where plaintiffs allege he owes them money. Furthermore, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a tax lien of over $7.2 million against Mayweather for unpaid taxes from 2018 and 2023, and a Las Vegas-area gated community has filed a separate lien exceeding $22,500. Conversely, Mayweather has initiated his own civil suits this year, demanding $340 million from Showtime and $175 million from former business associates, alleging fraud and "aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty" in both instances.

Despite these legal entanglements, Mayweather is still scheduled to participate in an exhibition fight against kickboxer Mike Zambidis on June 27 in Athens, Greece. A source close to Mayweather confirmed that he still possesses his passport and plans to depart for Greece later this week. Although there was a previous threat of his passport being revoked due to the IRS lien, Mayweather's tax attorneys have reportedly been working with the federal agency, ensuring he can travel for the fight and return afterward.