Floyd “Money” Mayweather has never been shy about flaunting wealth—but even for one of the highest-paid athletes in history, the IRS doesn’t always wait patiently. In 2017, Mayweather made headlines not for a knockout, but for asking the U.S. Tax Court for time to pay his 2015 tax liability, until after he got paid for his blockbuster August 26 fight against Conor McGregor.
Yes, really.
On July 5, Mayweather filed a petition with the U.S. Tax Court requesting a temporary reprieve from the IRS, arguing that while he had substantial assets, they were “restricted and primarily illiquid,” according to court filings cited by Law360. The petition explained that Mayweather expected a major liquidity event—his fight purse—within roughly 60 days, at which point he intended to pay the outstanding balance in full.
For most taxpayers, a “liquidity event” looks more like wage garnishments or bank levies—not a nine-figure prizefight.
The petition also asked the court to reduce failure-to-pay penalties that accrue when taxes are not paid on time. The IRS typically assesses a 0.5% penalty per month on unpaid taxes. By that point, Mayweather’s 2015 tax bill was already 15 months past due, translating to an additional 7.5% penalty—before interest. (That one can hurt more than a left hook.)
While the exact amount owed was not publicly disclosed, the IRS reportedly argued that Mayweather could pay immediately—even if it meant selling assets, liquidating property, or taking out a loan. Given Mayweather’s lifestyle, the IRS may not have been wrong.
In a 2015 ESPN interview with Stephen A. Smith, Mayweather proudly showcased a Las Vegas garage containing seven cars he claimed were worth nearly $15 million—vehicles he said he owned but didn’t even drive.
The irony? Mayweather earned an estimated $220 million from his 2015 fight with Manny Pacquiao and was expected to make a similar—or larger—amount from the McGregor bout. The fight ultimately shattered pay-per-view records, reportedly generating up to $500 million in total revenue, with Mayweather positioning himself firmly as the “A-side.”
This wasn’t Mayweather’s first encounter with the IRS either. He previously settled a $6.17 million federal tax lien related to his 2007 return, using proceeds from his 2009 fight against Juan Manuel Marquez to pay the balance. Over his career, Forbes estimates Mayweather earned approximately $700 million across 49 professional fights.
The Takeaway
Mayweather’s case highlights a core IRS principle: wealth does not equal liquidity. Having valuable assets does not excuse unpaid taxes, and the IRS can (and often will) demand payment even if it requires selling property or borrowing funds.
For high-income individuals with irregular cash flow—athletes, entertainers, and business owners alike—tax planning and liquidity management are just as important as earning power.
When it comes to taxes, even “Money” sometimes has to ask for time.
