Floyd Mayweather on exhibition fights: ‘If I’m able to steal some extra money, why not?!

Floyd Mayweather has once again described his post-retirement exhibition fights as “stealing money,” doubling down on the brazen candor that has become his trademark.

Asked about his continued involvement in non-professional bouts during a recent interview with Cam’ron on the It Is What It Is podcast, the undefeated boxing legend offered characteristically unfiltered response.

“If I’m able to steal some extra money, s***, why not?” Mayweather said. “If I’m able just to steal a little bit, why not?”

The interview, recorded at Mayweather’s Las Vegas gym on March 6 and released this week, saw the 49-year-old push back against persistent speculation that his recent exhibition activity is driven by financial hardship. Mayweather insisted his properties remain untouched, his family’s bills are paid, and his employees continue to receive their salaries.

“Nobody has taken none of my properties away from me,” he said. “I still got all my houses, I still got everything.”

The comments come amid a turbulent period for the former five-division world champion. Mayweather is facing felony charges in Nevada over allegations that he passed a $200,000 bad check to purchase a luxury Audemars Piguet watch from a Las Vegas resale store. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison on the theft charge.

He is also embroiled in a $340 million lawsuit against Showtime Networks over alleged misappropriation of fight earnings and has filed a separate $175 million fraud case against his former investment manager. Additionally, he reportedly owes $7.3 million in taxes to the IRS.

Mayweather’s scheduled exhibition against kickboxer Mike Zambidis in Greece was canceled last month after promoter CSI Sports filed a lawsuit alleging breach of contract. Court filings claimed Mayweather had already received millions in advances for fights against Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao that were part of his agreement with CSI. The Zambidis bout was expected to earn Mayweather at least $10 million.

Despite the legal and financial turmoil, Mayweather dismissed suggestions that money problems are behind his ring returns. He credited the Black community for their lifelong support while suggesting his success invites resentment.

“After they go home, and they got everything they won, they’re praying on my downfall,” he said. “We don’t want to see Floyd win nothing.”

Mayweather, who retired in 2017 with a perfect 50-0 record after defeating Conor McGregor, also declared himself still “the face of boxing”. He acknowledged ongoing lawsuits as a natural consequence of his celebrity status.

“It’s this lawsuit, it’s that lawsuit,” he said. “I get myself out of the situation… It’s not me. I’m the biggest name. Who they gon’ point the finger at?”

Mayweather said he deliberately avoids social media, keeping it off his phone entirely. “I’m too focused on building generational wealth,” he said.

His exhibition run has included fights against Tenshin Nasukawa (2018), Logan Paul (2021), Mikuru Asakura (2022), Don Moore, Oladeji Olatunji, and John Gotti III. His career earnings have been estimated at more than $1.2 billion, though estimates of his current net worth vary widely, with some sources placing it between $100 million and $400 million.

“At the end of the day, I’m good,” Mayweather said.

Whether he steps into the ring again remains uncertain. His proposed exhibitions against Tyson and Pacquiao hang in the balance amid the ongoing legal battle with CSI. But if the opportunity arises, Mayweather made his position unmistakably clear.

“If I’m able to steal some extra money, why not?”