Floyd Mayweather, one of the most iconic and successful figures in boxing, finds himself embroiled in a legal battle that threatens to overshadow his recent victory in the ring. Just after securing a $30 million payday for his win against John Gotti III, Mayweather was hit with a hefty $4 million debt claim by Leonard Sulaymanov, a jeweler from Miami. The jeweler alleges that Mayweather committed fraud and theft, refusing to pay for several high-end jewelry pieces, including luxury watches and diamond-studded accessories.
The lawsuit, filed in Miami federal court, paints a picture of a business transaction gone wrong. According to Sulaymanov, who owns Lenzo & Co, Mayweather purchased several expensive items from his store in June 2021. The list of jewelry includes an Audemars Piguet watch, two Richard Mille watches, a Patek Philippe watch, and a rose-gold Rolex Presidential Day-Date, among others. The total bill for these items reportedly came to nearly $4 million. However, the jeweler claims that he only received $267,000 in two initial down payments from Mayweather, leaving a substantial balance unpaid.
Sulaymanov’s lawsuit doesn’t stop at a simple claim of unpaid debts. It also accuses Mayweather and his company, The Money Team, of engaging in fraudulent and deceptive practices to avoid paying the full amount owed. The jeweler argues that Mayweather intentionally misled him, making promises of payment that were never fulfilled. The lawsuit, filed under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, alleges that Mayweather and his associates engaged in a civil conspiracy and breach of contract, among other charges.
Mayweather’s legal troubles have been compounded by the involvement of rapper Tyga, who is also named in the lawsuit. The rapper, whose real name is Micheal Ray Nguyen-Stevenson, allegedly failed to pay for a Rolex purchased from Sulaymanov’s store. The jeweler claims that both Mayweather and Tyga used their fame and influence to pressure him into handing over the jewelry without receiving the full payment upfront.
This lawsuit is just the latest in a series of legal challenges that Mayweather has faced in recent years. Despite his immense wealth and success, the former world champion has been involved in multiple disputes over unpaid debts and financial obligations. For a man known for his lavish lifestyle and extravagant spending, these legal battles raise questions about the sustainability of his financial empire.
As the lawsuit moves forward, Mayweather will likely face intense scrutiny, not only from the courts but also from the public. His reputation as a flashy, larger-than-life figure could take a hit if the allegations of fraud and theft are proven true. For now, the boxing world and Mayweather’s fans will be watching closely to see how this drama unfolds. Will Mayweather be able to settle the debt and put this controversy behind him, or will it mark a significant blow to his storied career? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this legal battle is far from over.
