Floyd Mayweather Jr. has openly admitted that his continued presence in the boxing ring is a direct effort to “steal some extra money,” according to statements reported on July 4, 2026. Speaking during an interview with Cam’ron, the 49-year-old former world champion brushed off criticisms regarding his financial motivations, asking “why not?” if the opportunity to generate additional income remains available to him.
The undefeated legend, who retired from professional boxing with a 50-0 record in 2017, continues to justify the lucrative nature of his exhibition tours by citing other global figures of immense wealth. “I mean, Jeff Bezos still getting money. What’s that, the Walton family? They still getting money.
Mayweather defends exhibition earnings amidst billionaire comparisons
I mean, that list goes on and on,” Mayweather stated. He used these comparisons to explain his ongoing participation in high-revenue events despite his official retirement from the pro ranks nearly a decade ago.
Mayweather’s recent comments appear to double down on his “Money” persona, which has long been his primary marketing tool. During the discussion, he dismissed rumors of financial instability, asserting that his various properties are paid for and the bills for his family and employees remain fully covered.
This transparency regarding his “stealing” of extra money aligns with his previous branding of the “Heist Tour” in 2023, where he sought to maximize profit with minimal physical risk.
However, the narrative of “stealing” may face new scrutiny if a professional rematch with Manny Pacquiao materializes. While exhibition fans often embrace the theatrical nature of the bouts, a sanctioned professional fight would see Mayweather’s flawless 50-0 record put on the line for the first time since he defeated Conor McGregor.
Previous comments from opponents, such as when Pacquiao claimed Marquez was more skilled than Mayweather, suggest that the competitive stakes for a rematch would be far higher than a standard exhibition.
The massive scale of previous exhibition purses
The financial logic behind Mayweather’s return is rooted in the staggering returns of his post-retirement career. His 2021 match against Logan Paul reportedly pulled in approximately $50 million in pay-per-view (PPV) revenue from roughly 1 million buys.
From that event alone, Mayweather’s estimated payday was at least $35 million, comprised of a $10 million guaranteed purse and half of the PPV profits. Such figures highlight why the veteran fighter continues to pursue these opportunities even in his late 40s.
Other international appearances have proven equally efficient for his bank account. In December 2018, Mayweather stopped Tenshin Nasukawa in Japan, earning a reported $9 million for just over two minutes of work in the ring.
His 2022 exhibition with Mikuru Asakura saw him take home a guaranteed $22 million, with some reports indicating the final total could have surpassed $30 million. Even the press conference for that event allegedly netted the champion $1.5 million.
These sums contrast sharply with the current climate where a boxing match delayed by contract talks can leave world-class heavyweights inactive for months.
Legal challenges and felony theft charges in Nevada
Despite the massive influx of exhibition cash, the 49-year-old is currently navigating serious legal hurdles in the Nevada court system. Floyd Mayweather Jr. faces two felony charges: theft with a value of $100,000 or greater, and passing a check of $1,200 or greater with intent to defraud.
These charges stem from a December 25, 2024, incident where Mayweather allegedly purchased a $200,000 Audemars Piguet timepiece from Gold and Beyond, a high-end store in Las Vegas, with a check that lacked sufficient funds.
The criminal complaint filed on April 27, 2026, alleges that Mayweather knew the check would not be honored due to insufficient “money, property, or credit” in his account. If he is found guilty of the felony theft charge, he could face a prison sentence ranging from one to 20 years and a potential $15,000 fine.
The fraud charge carries an additional sentence of one to four years. A preliminary hearing was conducted on June 17, 2026, and the case is currently scheduled for another hearing in September 2026.
Additional financial liens and ongoing litigation
The bad check allegations represent only one part of the fighter’s complicated financial situation in 2026. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has reportedly filed a $7.3 million lien against Mayweather for unpaid taxes.
He is also currently embroiled in multiple high-stakes lawsuits, including a $340 million claim against his former broadcasting partner, Showtime, for alleged financial fraud and concealed earnings. He has similarly filed a $175 million lawsuit against former associates for misappropriation of funds.
This aggressive legal strategy mirrors the calculated defense he became famous for in the ring. Yet, smaller disputes continue to surface, including a lawsuit representing a $105,000 debt for unpaid private jet services. The contrast between these legal issues and his billion-dollar career earnings continues to fuel public debate.
Similar to how Gualtieri and Jones have an approaching IBF Eliminator that necessitates peak focus, Mayweather’s legal team is tasked with clearing these significant hurdles while he looks toward future bouts.
Future plans for the comeback tour and Pacquiao
The immediate future for Mayweather remains uncertain due to his pending court cases. His three-fight comeback tour was originally expected to begin in June 2026 in Athens, Greece, against kickboxer Mike Zambidis, but plans have reportedly slowed. A centerpiece of his 2026 strategy is a rumored rematch with Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas this September.
This potential bout would return Mayweather to the professional ranks and put his 50-0 record at risk for the first time in years.
While Mayweather maintains that his returns are simply about “stealing extra money,” fans and analysts are watching to see if his legal distractions or his age will finally catch up to him. The commercial success of any future Pacquiao meeting would likely rival their 2015 “Fight of the Century,” which generated $600 million in revenue.
For now, Mayweather appears content at the Mayweather Boxing Club, framing his boxing appearances not as a sporting endeavor, but as a business model built to maximize returns like the billionaires he admires.
