Former Money Team world champion Ishe Smith once said he’d always have Floyd Mayweather’s back. Following recent legal proceedings and reported financial issues surrounding the five-weight champion, ‘Sugar Shay’ has changed his stance.
Smith, who became the first world champion from Las Vegas under the Mayweather Promotions banner, reacted on social media after the latest headlines involving his former mentor.
From Loyalty to Fallout
Smith spoke to WBN several times during his career and, for most of that time, stood firmly behind Mayweather.
When Floyd Mayweather’s friendship with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson collapsed in 2012, Smith refused to be drawn into the dispute.
“My loyalty will always be with Floyd Mayweather, Leonard Ellerbe, and Mayweather Promotions,” Smith told WBN.
“I have known him since I was ten years old. I will always have his back in and out the ring.”
Those comments reflected the strength of his relationship with Mayweather at the time, with Smith crediting the setup for helping rebuild his career and guiding him to an IBF super welterweight title when he defeated Cornelius Bundrage in 2013.
The Split
That loyalty eventually faded.
By 2022, Smith had publicly criticized Mayweather over his handling of Gervonta Davis and questioned the environment inside the Money Team setup.
“The love isn’t pure. Once you realize that, you separate yourself from people,” Smith said at the time.
“He doesn’t want you doing better than him, period!”
The former Contender star also expressed surprise that Davis remained under Mayweather Promotions for as long as he did.
Four Words Speak Volumes
Smith is now among a growing list of former fighters to distance themselves from Mayweather, with few remaining from the original Money Team circle still publicly aligned with him.
After recent legal proceedings involving Mayweather and continued discussion surrounding his reported financial situation, Smith posted a brief message on social media:
“I made smart investments.”
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.
