Floyd Mayweather Lawsuit 2026, $340 Million Fraud Case Against Showtime—What the Boxing Legend Claims and What Happens Next
Floyd Mayweather filed a lawsuit against Showtime in California on February 3, 2026, claiming they helped his ex-manager Al Haymon cheat him out of hundreds of millions of dollars. The undefeated boxing champion seeks to recover at least $340 million he alleges was misappropriated from his career earnings through an elaborate financial fraud scheme. Here’s what the lawsuit claims, who’s being sued, and what it means for boxing’s biggest pay-per-view star.
What Is Floyd Mayweather Suing Showtime For?
Mayweather’s lawsuit seeks to recover hundreds of millions of dollars in misappropriated funds and damages resulting from a long-running and elaborate scheme of financial fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and conspiracy orchestrated by his former manager Al Haymon, with alleged assistance from Showtime and former Showtime Sports president Stephen Espinoza.
The case centers on Mayweather’s most lucrative fights between 2013 and 2017. Mayweather references his biggest fights, including against Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor, alleging Showtime and Espinoza delivered money owed to him directly into accounts controlled by Haymon.
From Mayweather’s reported $1.2 billion in career earnings, at least $340 million is “missing” and unaccounted for. The lawsuit also claims Showtime still owes him $20 million from his 2015 welterweight championship fight against Andre Berto.
Who Are the Defendants in This Lawsuit?
Showtime Networks Inc. – The Paramount-owned premium cable network that broadcast Mayweather’s fights from 2013 to 2017 under an exclusive multi-fight contract.
Stephen Espinoza – Former president of Showtime Sports who negotiated fight deals with Mayweather and Haymon. Espinoza left Showtime approximately three years ago when the network shut down its sports division.
Al Haymon (Not Sued) – Mayweather’s longtime advisor and manager who allegedly misappropriated funds. Interestingly, Haymon is not being sued despite Mayweather claiming he misappropriated a significant portion of his career earnings.
What Does Mayweather Claim Showtime and Espinoza Did?
The lawsuit alleges Showtime and Espinoza committed four specific violations:
Aiding and Abetting Breach of Fiduciary Duty – Haymon, as Mayweather’s manager, had a legal duty to act in his client’s best interests. The suit claims Showtime and Espinoza knowingly helped Haymon violate this duty by depositing fight purses directly into Haymon-controlled accounts instead of Mayweather’s accounts.
Civil Conspiracy to Commit Fraud – Showtime and Espinoza enabled Haymon’s scheme and stymied Mayweather’s effort to uncover the truth, resulting in enormous financial harm.
Conversion – Unlawfully taking control of Mayweather’s money and diverting it to Haymon’s accounts.
Unjust Enrichment – Showtime allegedly benefited financially from the fraud scheme by keeping Mayweather under contract while underpaying him.
Understanding fraud lawsuit of turbotax claims is critical here—this isn’t just a contract dispute. Mayweather alleges intentional deception and conspiracy.
The “Lost in a Flood” Claim That Raised Red Flags
When Mayweather’s new team went to Showtime in 2024 for documents related to the Manny Pacquiao fight of 2015, they were informed the materials were “lost in a flood” or “stored off-site and not readily accessible”.
This suspicious explanation appears central to the lawsuit. Financial records from the Pacquiao fight—one of the highest-grossing boxing events in history—conveniently disappeared when Mayweather’s new management team demanded an audit.
What You Must Know About This Case
Mayweather Made Over $1 Billion But Claims He Was Shortchanged – Despite being boxing’s biggest pay-per-view draw, Mayweather alleges systematic financial manipulation spanning his entire Showtime contract period from 2013 to 2017.
This Isn’t Mayweather’s First Money Problem – Mayweather faces financial issues including a $3 million debt to a Nigerian media company, foreclosure risks on two properties, and potential loss of his strip club due to unpaid taxes. In 2026, courts allowed attorneys to pursue his car collection to settle debts.
Paramount Has Already Denied the Claims – A Paramount spokesperson responded, saying “These baseless claims lack legal or factual merit. We strongly reject them and will respond accordingly through the court process”.
What Happens Next in the Mayweather vs. Showtime Lawsuit?
Discovery Phase Will Be Critical – Mayweather’s legal team will demand financial records, emails, and documents showing where fight purses were deposited. If Showtime cannot produce records claiming they were “lost in a flood,” that strengthens Mayweather’s case.
Depositions of Key Witnesses – Stephen Espinoza and Al Haymon will likely be deposed under oath. Haymon, who typically avoids the spotlight, may be forced to testify about how he managed Mayweather’s money.
Potential Settlement Before Trial – Given the reputational stakes and the complexity of financial records, Showtime may opt to settle rather than face a public trial exposing boxing’s financial underbelly.
Mayweather’s attorney Bobby Samini stated: “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”.
What Should You Do If You’re in a Similar Situation?
Document Everything Immediately – If you suspect a financial advisor, manager, or business partner is misappropriating funds, save bank statements, contracts, and communications before they “disappear.”
Demand Regular Financial Audits – Athletes, entertainers, and high-net-worth individuals should require quarterly financial audits from independent accountants, not accountants hired by their managers.
Hire Independent Legal Counsel – Don’t rely on your manager’s attorney. Hire your own lawyer to review contracts and financial arrangements before signing.
Check Your Contracts for Arbitration Clauses – Many management contracts force disputes into private arbitration instead of public court. Mayweather appears to have avoided this trap, allowing him to sue publicly
FAQs: Floyd Mayweather Lawsuit Against Showtime
When did Floyd Mayweather file the lawsuit against Showtime?
Floyd Mayweather filed the lawsuit on February 3, 2026, in California. TMZ Sports obtained the court filing and reported it publicly the same day.
How much money is Floyd Mayweather suing for?
Mayweather seeks at least $340 million in missing and unaccounted funds plus punitive damages. The total could exceed $500 million if the court awards additional damages.
Why isn’t Al Haymon being sued if he allegedly stole the money?
The lawsuit doesn’t explain why Haymon isn’t named as a defendant. Legal experts speculate Mayweather may have separate claims against Haymon, may have an arbitration clause with Haymon, or may be pursuing Showtime first as they have deeper pockets.
What is breach of fiduciary duty?
Breach of fiduciary duty occurs when someone in a position of trust—like a manager, financial advisor, or attorney—acts in their own interests instead of their client’s interests. Managers have a legal duty to handle client money honestly and transparently.
Can Floyd Mayweather win this case?
Success depends on whether Mayweather can prove Showtime and Espinoza knowingly participated in diverting funds. The “lost in a flood” excuse for missing financial records could be damaging evidence if Mayweather’s team proves it was fabricated.
What happened to Stephen Espinoza after he left Showtime?
Stephen Espinoza left Showtime almost three years ago when Paramount pulled the plug on the Sports division. The lawsuit suggests he may now be working with Al Haymon.
Has Showtime responded to the lawsuit?
Yes. Paramount, Showtime’s parent company, issued a statement calling the claims “baseless” and stating they lack “legal or factual merit”. They plan to defend the case in court.
Last Updated: February 4, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Floyd Mayweather vs. Showtime lawsuit based on publicly available court filings and news reports. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance on financial fraud or breach of fiduciary duty claims.
Bottom Line: Floyd Mayweather claims Showtime and Stephen Espinoza helped his ex-manager Al Haymon divert at least $340 million from his fight purses into Haymon-controlled accounts. The lawsuit, filed February 3, 2026, alleges fraud, conspiracy, and breach of fiduciary duty. Showtime denies all allegations and plans to fight the case in court.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
Sources Used:
- TMZ Sports court documents (February 3, 2026)
- TheWrap court filing review
- Paramount official statement
- Yahoo Sports case analysis
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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