Rapper Rick Ross has come to Floyd Mayweather’s defence after renewed speculation about the boxing legend’s financial health, insisting the undefeated champion remains wealthy despite a string of legal and financial challenges.
Ross addressed the rumours in a video posted on Instagram, dismissing claims that Mayweather has run out of money.
The rapper argued that the former world champion continues to be one of boxing’s biggest attractions and has numerous opportunities to generate substantial income through exhibition bouts, promotions and other business ventures.
View this post on Instagram
Ross’s comments come as questions continue to swirl over Mayweather’s finances following a series of lawsuits, tax disputes and stalled exhibition fights.
The speculation has intensified after reports that planned exhibition contests against Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao failed to materialise this year.
While Ross remains convinced Mayweather is financially secure, recent investigations have painted a more complicated picture.
According to a recent report by Complex, Mayweather has earned an estimated US$1.1 billion during his boxing career, including blockbuster paydays of approximately US$280 million for his 2017 fight against Conor McGregor and US$250 million for his 2015 bout with Pacquiao.
Despite those enormous earnings, the publication highlighted several financial pressures currently facing the former champion.
Among them are multiple lawsuits, a federal tax lien reportedly filed by the Internal Revenue Service over unpaid taxes, and criminal fraud charges linked to the alleged purchase of a US$200,000 Audemars Piguet watch using a cheque that allegedly lacked sufficient funds. Mayweather has denied wrongdoing in the matter.
The report also noted that while Mayweather has continued earning millions from exhibition fights since retiring with a perfect 50-0 professional record, his lavish lifestyle has fuelled ongoing speculation about his finances.
Investigative creator Spencer Cornelia has estimated the boxing icon spends around US$3 million every month, citing luxury expenses that reportedly include a full-time barber, a private chef and an extravagant collection of high-end cars, watches and jewellery.
Mayweather is also involved in several high-profile civil lawsuits, including claims against former business partners and broadcasters involving hundreds of millions of dollars, while simultaneously facing legal action from other parties over alleged contractual disputes.
Recent reports further indicate that he has sold several luxury assets, including his private jet and high-end properties, while also taking out substantial loans secured against his real estate portfolio.
Even so, Ross believes the financial doom surrounding Mayweather has been exaggerated.
According to the rapper, as long as Mayweather remains one of boxing’s biggest names, opportunities to earn significant money will continue to exist.
Whether Ross’s confidence proves justified remains to be seen, but the debate over the financial status of the man once nicknamed “Money” Mayweather continues to dominate headlines.
Discover more from Daily Mast
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
