Floyd Mayweather Files $340 Million Lawsuit Against Showtime Over Missing Fight Earnings
American boxing icon Floyd Mayweather has initiated a monumental legal battle, filing a lawsuit seeking $340 million against television network Showtime and its former sports president Stephen Espinoza. The lawsuit alleges substantial missing earnings from several of Mayweather's high-profile fights broadcast on the network.
Allegations of Financial Fraud and Missing Funds
Mayweather, who signed a lucrative six-fight deal with Showtime in 2013, claims the network owes him "hundreds of millions of dollars" due to what his legal team describes as "a long-running and elaborate scheme of financial fraud." The undefeated boxer, who retired with a perfect 50-0 record, had his final seven professional fights aired exclusively on Showtime platforms.
The legal documents, filed in California, specifically point to Mayweather's 2017 crossover superfight against UFC superstar Conor McGregor as one of the events where earnings were allegedly misappropriated. Mayweather's team believes approximately $340 million (equivalent to £250 million) of his career earnings remain "missing and unaccounted for."
Key Figures and Allegations in the Lawsuit
While the lawsuit names Showtime and former executive Stephen Espinoza as defendants, it notably excludes powerful boxing advisor Al Haymon, whom Mayweather alleges "screwed him out of money" with Espinoza's "substantial participation and aid." The legal complaint accuses Haymon of misappropriating "a significant portion of his career earnings" but doesn't name him as a defendant in this particular filing.
Mayweather's legal team has leveled serious accusations against the defendants, including:
- Aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty
- Civil conspiracy to commit fraud
- Conversion of funds
- Unjust enrichment
The Search for Financial Records
In their pursuit of the allegedly missing funds, Mayweather's representatives have requested access to Showtime's financial records to review the boxing earnings. According to the lawsuit, Showtime has claimed inability to provide these documents, stating they were "lost in a flood" - an explanation Mayweather's legal team finds questionable.
Bobby Samini, Mayweather's attorney, emphasized his client's determination in pursuing this case, telling media outlets: "Floyd is one of boxing's biggest pay-per-view draws. He generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for Showtime. Mr. Mayweather now takes this fight to the courtroom to recover what he rightfully earned."
Mayweather's Determination to "Go the Distance"
Samini further highlighted Mayweather's fighting spirit, stating: "Retiring undefeated at 50-0, Mr. Mayweather will go the distance in the courtroom just as he has in the ring." This statement underscores the boxer's commitment to pursuing what he believes are his rightful earnings from his Showtime broadcast fights.
The lawsuit represents one of the largest financial disputes in boxing history and could have significant implications for how fighter earnings are managed and accounted for in future broadcasting deals. As the legal process unfolds, the boxing world watches closely to see if Mayweather can achieve in the courtroom what he consistently accomplished in the ring - a decisive victory.
