Major Controversies Surrounding Floyd Mayweather Jr.: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Floyd Mayweather Jr.—discover key moments of controversy.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is an undefeated American professional boxer (50-0) and boxing promoter. He has won 15 major world championships across five weight classes, including Ring magazine titles in three weight classes. As an amateur, he won a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics and multiple U.S. championships. Mayweather retired from professional boxing in 2017 and has since participated in exhibition boxing.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1988: Roy Jones Jr.'s Controversial Loss

In the 1996 Olympics semifinal bout, the controversial decision loss of Mayweather was similar to Roy Jones Jr.'s highly controversial decision loss to Park Si-hun at the 1988 Summer Olympics).

2002: Mayweather Charged with Domestic Violence

In 2002, Floyd Mayweather was charged with two counts of domestic violence and one count of misdemeanor battery, leading to a suspended sentence and community service.

2004: Mayweather Receives Suspended Sentence for Misdemeanor Battery

In 2004, Floyd Mayweather was given a one-year suspended jail sentence, ordered to undergo counseling, and pay a fine after being convicted of two counts of misdemeanor battery against two women.

July 2005: Domestic Battery Charges Dropped

In July 2005, domestic battery charges were dropped after Harris testified that she had lied and that Mayweather had not battered her.

2005: Mayweather Pleads No Contest to Battery Charge

In 2005, Floyd Mayweather pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor battery charge after hitting and kicking a bouncer, receiving a 90-day suspended jail sentence.

April 8, 2006: Mayweather Defeats Zab Judah for IBF Welterweight Title

On April 8, 2006, Floyd Mayweather Jr. defeated Zab Judah by unanimous decision to win the IBF welterweight title. The fight was marred by a late-round altercation involving Roger Mayweather and Yoel Judah after Zab Judah landed a low blow and a rabbit punch. Roger Mayweather was ejected.

September 9, 2010: Mayweather Sought for Questioning in Domestic Battery Case

On September 9, 2010, Floyd Mayweather was being sought by police for questioning after his former girlfriend, Josie Harris, filed a domestic battery report against him.

December 21, 2011: Mayweather Sentenced to Jail for Battery

On December 21, 2011, Floyd Mayweather was sentenced to serve 90 days in county jail for battery upon Josie Harris in September 2010, as part of a deal with prosecutors.

June 1, 2012: Mayweather Reports to Jail

On June 1, 2012, Floyd Mayweather reported to the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas to serve his jail term for domestic abuse.

August 3, 2012: Mayweather Released From Prison

On August 3, 2012, Floyd Mayweather was released from prison after serving two months of his jail term for domestic abuse.

February 4, 2015: Mayweather Denied Visa to Australia

On February 4, 2015, Floyd Mayweather was denied a visa to Australia due to his criminal record and jail term, preventing him from doing a tour there.

May 9, 2015: Mayweather Changes Mind on Pacquiao Rematch

On May 9, 2015, Mayweather stated he changed his mind about a rematch with Manny Pacquiao, calling him a "sore loser and he's a coward."

May 2015: Josie Harris Sues Mayweather for Defamation

In May 2015, Josie Harris sued Floyd Mayweather for $20 million for defamation, claiming that Mayweather lied during an interview with Katie Couric in April about the 2010 domestic-violence incident.

May 7, 2016: Mayweather Confirms Starting McGregor Fight Rumors

On May 7, 2016, Mayweather confirmed that he started the rumors about a potential crossover fight with MMA star Conor McGregor.

November 2018: Mayweather Settles with SEC Over ICO Touting

In November 2018, Floyd Mayweather, along with DJ Khaled, agreed to a $750,000 settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for failing to disclose payments accepted from issuers of initial coin offerings, including $100,000 from Centra Tech Inc.

May 6, 2021: Mayweather and Paul Brawl at Press Conference

On May 6, 2021, Mayweather and Logan Paul met at a press conference at Hard Rock Stadium, where Jake Paul removed Mayweather's hat, leading to an angry brawl and Mayweather threatening to kill him.

January 2022: Mayweather Named in EthereumMax Lawsuit

In January 2022, Floyd Mayweather was named as a defendant in a class-action lawsuit against the cryptocurrency company EthereumMax, accused of promoting the EthereumMax token.