Floyd Mayweather’s controversial wealth: Excessive spending, conflicts with employees and unresolved accusations
Floyd Mayweather, the undefeated boxing icon known as the “Money Man,” has long captivated the world with his lavish lifestyle and unparalleled success in the ring. Known for amassing an estimated net worth of over $1 billion over the course of his career, Mayweather’s financial decisions and personal controversies have recently drawn attention, raising questions about the complexities of his public persona.
Despite owning several luxury properties around the world, Mayweather chose to spend a whopping $100,000 per month to rent a penthouse at the prestigious Baccarat Hotel and Residences in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The 4,000-square-foot, five-bedroom residence is considered one of the most exclusive and expensive rentals in Manhattan. Ironically, Mayweather’s decision to rent comes after he reportedly invested $402 million in 2024 to purchase 1,000 apartments in the affordable housing segment in New York City. While this major investment highlights his real estate adventures, the boxer’s preference for renting over living in his own properties has piqued the public’s curiosity.
Beyond his living situation, Mayweather is currently embroiled in allegations involving his gym chain, Mayweather Boxing and Fitness Gym. The chain has been accused of neglecting employee payments, leaving trainers and managers in dire financial straits. Public protests by affected employees, with slogans such as “Work hard, dedicate yourself, don’t get paid,” have further intensified the scrutiny. Among the complainants, former manager Samaria Bolden described the dire consequences of unpaid wages, saying, “I lost everything because I wasn’t getting paid. It destroyed my life.” Another trainer echoed similar complaints, revealing how broken promises led to personal hardship.
This ongoing scandal has significantly tarnished Mayweather’s image as a businessman, and his failure to address these allegations has led employees to consider legal action. Despite being at the center of such serious allegations, the boxing legend has remained silent, further fueling criticism and speculation about his responsibility as an employer.
Amidst these controversies, Mayweather continues to showcase his extravagant lifestyle, with his generosity towards his family taking center stage. In December 2024, he gifted his three-year-old nephew, Kentrell Gaulden Jr., a $20 million building in Manhattan’s Diamond District as a Christmas gift. Proudly declaring, “You’re the first kid to own a building in the Diamond District,” Mayweather once again demonstrated his penchant for lavish displays of wealth. While the gesture underscores his commitment to his family, it stands in stark contrast to the constant accusations of unpaid wages at his businesses.
Mayweather’s legacy as a boxing phenom remains intact, with an undefeated 50-0 record that has solidified his place in sports history. However, his financial decisions and the controversies surrounding his businesses have created a complex narrative. While his success in the ring is undeniable, his actions outside the ring raise important questions about responsibility, ethics and the image of a self-proclaimed “Money Man” who built his brand on wealth and victory.
As legal and public relations challenges mount, Mayweather faces increasing pressure to address these issues head on. Whether he decides to reconcile his differences with his employees or continues to prioritize his lavish lifestyle remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that these revelations have added new layers to the story of a man whose life, like his career, has been anything but ordinary.
