Mayweather's Exhibitions Face Jeopardy Amid IRS Tax Debt

Floyd Mayweather's scheduled exhibition bouts against Mike Zambidis and Mike Tyson face significant uncertainty following notification from the IRS regarding a seriously delinquent tax debt. Mayweather owes the IRS approximately $7.25 million, prompting the agency to pursue revocation of his U.S. passport, as reported by Mike Coppinger of Ring Magazine.

Passport revocation directly impacts Mayweather's ability to travel for international contests. His June 27 exhibition with Mike Zambidis in Athens, Greece, and a previously planned exhibition with Mike Tyson in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are both jeopardized. The Tyson bout, initially slated for April 25, then extended to May 30, has no confirmed details beyond the extension.

Mayweather possesses several options to prevent passport revocation. These include paying the debt in full, establishing an installment agreement, reaching a settlement with the Department of Justice, demonstrating financial hardship making the debt uncollectible, proving identity theft, or filing for bankruptcy.

Despite career earnings estimated at over $1.1 billion, reports suggest Mayweather has encountered financial challenges, including multiple property foreclosures. His recent return to exhibition boxing also indicates potential financial pressures.

The potential passport issue does not affect Mayweather's anticipated September 19 rematch with Manny Pacquiao. This bout is expected to occur within the United States, with potential venues including the MGM Grand Garden Arena or T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Initial discussions for the Pacquiao fight centered on The Sphere in Las Vegas. While Mayweather has termed the Pacquiao event an exhibition, Pacquiao has stated he will only participate in a professional fight. Talks between both camps are ongoing to finalize the bout as a professional contest.