Floyd Mayweather is being sued by a boxing promoter who claims they paid the undefeated fighter millions for exclusive rights to bouts against Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao, only for him to back out.
According to a lawsuit filed Thursday in New York by CSI Entertainment, the promoter alleges it paid $4.65 million in advance money to Mayweather and his management company, First Apex Ventures, for two major events: an exhibition fight with Mike Tyson and a rematch with Manny Pacquiao that would put Mayweather's 50-0 record on the line.
CSI claims Mayweather personally signed off on the deal. However, the very next day after receiving a $150,000 advance, Mayweather announced he would instead fight Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis with a different promoter, according to the suit.
Separately, CSI alleges Mayweather secretly signed a deal with another company to stream a Pacquiao fight on Netflix from the Sphere in Las Vegas, violating their exclusive agreement.
CSI says it invested significant resources promoting both fights and is now seeking damages or at least a refund. The promoter is also asking the court to block Mayweather's fight with Zambidis next week and prevent the Netflix event from going forward.
Mayweather is currently suing First Apex Ventures and his former manager for $175 million, alleging fraud. His lawyers have not yet responded to requests for comment.