In December of last year, employees of Floyd Mayweather’s Los Angeles gym staged a protest outside the facility on Highland Avenue, alleging that they had gone weeks without pay from the boxing legend’s ‘Money Team.’ Employees held up signs, accusing Mayweather’s company of ‘modern day slavery’ and ‘The $ Team has no $.’ Now, Floyd Mayweather is ready to hit back—not at the employees who protested, but the employers who caused the situation.
According to an exclusive report from TMZ Sports, Floyd Mayweather’s attorneys have sent in a letter to 50-plus Mayweather Fitness + Boxing franchises across the U.S., demanding they address a range of alleged issues—or face legal action from ‘Money’ Mayweather himself. The retired boxing icon claims that the franchises have failed to pay their employees’ salaries, leaving him to deal with the fallout, despite having no involvement in the clubs’ day-to-day operations.
The letter claimed that even though Mayweather served solely as a brand ambassador with limited involvement, the franchises misused his name, image, and likeness for financial gain—actions that have allegedly dragged the retired boxer into legal disputes and unfavorable media coverage. Mayweather has acknowledged that he has made over $5 million from the partnership over the years, but the harm it has brought to his image is far greater.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JUNE 06: Floyd Mayweatherenters the ring for his contracted exhibition boxing match against Logan Paul at Hard Rock Stadium on June 06, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
“These incidents continue to erode his reputation, disrupt current business negotiations, and deter potential partners who are reluctant to associate with a brand now tainted by fraud, employee mistreatment, and financial instability,” the letter read. If the franchises don’t want to fight a court battle with Mayweather, they will have to comply with his demands and provide a laundry list of documents before the month’s end.
It includes relevant business records and all communications (emails, text messages, etc.) pertaining to the retired boxing legend. In case Mayweather Fitness + Boxing doesn’t do as they have been asked by the boxing legend’s legal team, Mayweather’s attorneys are ready to drag them to court for “fraud, misappropriation of likeness, breach of contract, defamation,” among others. The letter mentions that the deadline for providing the documentation is on 25 May, a mere four days away.
In the meantime, the co-founder of Mayweather Fitness has responded to the letter.
Floyd Mayweather on war path to clear his name
It’s unclear whether the documentation that Mayweather asked for has been sent to the 48-year-old’s team yet, but James Williams, co-founder and CEO of Mayweather Fitness, has issued a statement to TMZ Sports regarding the issue. “My team and I have consistently operated Mayweather Fitness with integrity and in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and we look forward to that being clearly reflected through current proceedings,” his statement read.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 29: Floyd Mayweather Jr. attends a game between the New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 29, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aces defeated the Liberty 98-81. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Williams claims that he has had a great relationship with Floyd Mayweather over the years, so he confirms that “the letter is correct in stating that I oversee and am responsible for all operational aspects of the business. Floyd is not involved in the day-to-day operations.” Williams concluded by affirming his commitment to leading the company, supporting its partners, and strengthening the brand.
That said, it appears Floyd Mayweather is ready to take the necessary measures to protect his image from further damage due to the problems caused by the franchisees. What are your thoughts on the entire ordeal?
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