The criminal complaint alleges that Mayweather issued the check despite having insufficient funds available to cover the payment and did so knowing it would not be honored when presented.
Mayweather was represented by counsel during a court hearing on Monday and did not appear in person.
“The reason for the delay is that my guy trusted Mayweather and was trying to give him every opportunity to make good on that,” attorney Marc Cook told ESPN. “And it got to the point where he wasn’t getting responses and wasn’t getting money for a watch that Mayweather had for well over a year.”
Cook added that his client initially hoped to resolve the matter privately before filing a complaint with the Clark County District Attorney’s Office earlier this year.
“Theft” charges involving property valued at more than $100,000 can carry prison sentences ranging from one to 20 years under Nevada law. The charge of passing a check with intent to defraud is punishable by one to four years in prison if a conviction is secured.
Neither Mayweather’s attorney nor the Clark County District Attorney’s Office immediately commented on the allegations, according to ESPN.
The case marks the latest legal issue involving the Hall of Fame boxer. Separate civil cases filed in multiple states allege unpaid debts, while the Internal Revenue Service has previously filed tax liens against Mayweather. At the same time, Mayweather has launched lawsuits of his own this year, including actions against Showtime and former business associates alleging fraud and financial misconduct.
Despite the charges, Mayweather is still expected to travel to Greece for a scheduled exhibition bout against kickboxing veteran Mike Zambidis on June 27. A source close to Mayweather told ESPN that his passport remains valid and that his attorneys have been working with the IRS regarding outstanding tax matters.
Mayweather retired from professional boxing with a perfect 50-0 record and is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished fighters of his generation. The 49-year-old has remained active in exhibition contests since stepping away from sanctioned competition in 2017.
