Combat sports superstars are famous for their dominance in the ring, but their fierce reputations sometimes extend beyond it, often involving serious legal issues. From Mike Tyson to Cain Velasquez, many fighters have faced jail time. Adding another name to the list, Floyd Mayweather, one of the most celebrated boxing stars of the last generation, is also among those who have served time behind bars. Despite his success, he has had legal troubles that led to time behind bars. But why and when? Let’s find out the details about it.
Why Was Floyd Mayweather Put Behind The Bars?
Although Mayweather achieved greatness in his professional career, this success did not translate into a stable personal life. Talking about his turbulent life, Mayweather Jr., who began dating Josie Harris in 1990, experienced growing turmoil as their relationship progressed. And by the early 2000s, Mayweather’s behavior reportedly became increasingly erratic.
Subsequently, in 2002, he faced charges of domestic violence and battery, resulting in a two-day house arrest, a six-month suspended sentence, and a forty-eight-hour community service requirement. However, it was the first of many changes he had to face.
Two years later, in 2004, Mayweather got a one-year suspended sentence for battery involving 2 women. After which, he was gone for impulse control counseling. Fast forward to September 2010, Mayweather Jr. was once again flagged by police after Josie Harris accused him of domestic violence. He was arrested, posted bail for $3,000, and later faced additional charges, including coercion, robbery, and a misdemeanor. This marked another serious run-in with the authorities in his personal life.
Also Read: Who Did Floyd Mayweather Lose To In Olympics?
Floyd Mayweather Arrest: How Long Did “Money” Spend Behind Bars?
The roughest patch for Mayweather hit on December 11, 2011, when he faced a tough situation and received a 90-day prison sentence. He negotiated with prosecutors, swapping a felony battery charge for a guilty plea on a misdemeanor battery charge. Additionally, he took a no-contest plea related to harassment tied to threats against his children. This was a major turning point for him, showing that even the champ couldn’t escape the law’s reach.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral Boxing stories via Google! Follow Us
He commenced his 90-day sentence at the Clark County Detention Center on June 1, 2012, but his early release on August 3 after serving only 60 days came over looking at his good behavior and helpfulness. While in jail, Mayweather’s team complained about bad food, poor water, and the small, uncomfortable cell, making it seem like he was going through one of the hardest challenges of his life, not in a boxing ring but in jail. Despite the tough conditions, he came out strong.
After getting out of jail, Mayweather talked to Larry King about the importance of freedom, which he realized after spending time behind bars. In his words, “Freedom is very important. And I’m just happy to be free and happy to be back in my children’s life.” Soon after his release, he returned to the sports that gave him immense wealth, fame, and everything he had.
‘Money’ Mayweather Banked Big After Serving Jail Time
After his time in jail, Mayweather bounced back on May 4, 2013, about ten months later, defending his WBC Welterweight title and The Ring Welterweight title with a unanimous win over Robert Guerrero at MGM Grand Arena. Two years later, he fought the biggest fight of his career against Manny Pacquiao.
For those just getting into sports, people dubbed this fight the “Fight of the Century.” The match was a record-breaker, where “TBE” walked away with over $250 million from the fight alone.
In his final boxing match, he secured an impressive $300 million during his highly publicized crossover bout with Conor McGregor. Earning a staggering $500 million from just two fights is remarkable, especially given the challenges he faced in the years prior. These incredible earnings have solidified ‘TNT’ as a billion-dollar sports icon, consistently ranking him among the wealthiest athletes year after year. His financial success has surpassed the sport, making him a dominant figure not just in boxing but in the broader world of elite athletes.
Also Read: Does Canelo Alvarez Have A Better Record Than Floyd Mayweather?
