Mayweather’s passport faces revocation over $7.25M tax debt, putting his Greece fight and Pacquiao rematch plans in doubt.
Floyd Mayweather’s upcoming exhibition bout against kickboxer Mike Zambidis, scheduled for June 27 in Athens, Greece, is now uncertain due to serious legal and financial complications. According to documents reviewed by Ring Magaize, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has notified Mayweather of its intent to revoke his U.S. passport over what it describes as a “seriously delinquent tax debt.” The notice was reportedly sent in late March—weeks before Mayweather publicly announced the fight on April 23—raising immediate concerns about his ability to travel internationally for the event.
The passport issue emerges at a complicated time for Mayweather, who has also been engaged in ongoing negotiations with longtime rival Manny Pacquiao for a potential rematch. Initially announced by Netflix on February 23 as a professional bout set for September 19 at The Sphere in Las Vegas, the fight’s status has since become unclear. On March 28, Mayweather publicly stated that the event would be an exhibition rather than an official fight, and that the venue was still undecided. However, documents reviewed by The Ring reportedly contradict this claim, indicating that Mayweather had signed agreements confirming it as a professional contest at The Sphere.
Pacquiao has made his stance clear, stating during an April 13 appearance on “Inside The Ring” that he would only participate in a legitimate fight, not an exhibition. Despite the conflicting narratives, sources say both camps are still in discussions, with the potential venue now shifting to either the MGM Grand Garden Arena or T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Not only is the venue shifting, but it now looks like the bout will have to take place at some point possibly in mid-August.
Complicating matters further, Mayweather’s previously announced exhibition with Mike Tyson also remains unresolved. First revealed on September 4, the bout has yet to secure a date or location. CSI Sports, the event’s promoter, had an original deadline of April 30 to stage the fight, which has since been extended to May 30. The Democratic Republic of Congo had been discussed as a possible location, but Mayweather’s passport issues could hinder any plans for an international venue.
According to the documents, Mayweather owes more than $7.25 million in taxes, including liens and levies. To avoid passport revocation, he must resolve the debt through full payment, a settlement, an installment agreement, or other legal remedies such as proving financial hardship or filing for bankruptcy. Efforts made by Ring Magazine to reach Mayweather or his representatives for comment have so far been unsuccessful. Once again it wouldn't be a Floyd Mayweather Jr. story without some level of drama attached to it.