
Faith Nyasuguta
A U.S. court has confirmed that former world boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. must pay $2.4 million in damages to Zinni Media Concept Limited, a Nigerian company, for breaching a contract.
The dispute originated from an agreement made in June 2017, where Mayweather was to make several appearances in Africa, including one in Nigeria. However, Mayweather unilaterally canceled the agreement and did not refund the advance payment made by Zinni Media.
Alex Nwankwo, the media executive of Zinni Media, explained that Mayweather’s legal team suggested the boxer could avoid repayment because Zinni Media was not based in the U.S. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to recover the appearance fees, Zinni Media filed a lawsuit in 2018, alleging breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and fraud.
The initial ruling came in October 2023, when a California lower court ordered Mayweather to pay $1,638,542 in damages, $721,881.32 in prejudgment interest, $16,270 in attorney fees, and $285 in costs, totaling $2,376,978.
Mayweather appealed the decision, but on August 27, 2024, the appellate court upheld the lower court’s ruling. Despite the appellate court’s decision, Mayweather has yet to pay the awarded amount, which is accruing interest at a rate of 10 percent per annum.

The court has authorized U.S. attorneys to enforce the judgment by targeting Mayweather’s assets, including his 2015 Bugatti Veyron or his 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta, both valued above the owed damages.
Nwankwo expressed appreciation for the court’s decision, stating that two courts have now ruled in favor of Zinni Media. He emphasized that the company had entered into the agreement with Mayweather in good faith and had made significant financial commitments based on the contract. The breach of contract by Mayweather not only caused financial losses but also damaged the company’s reputation.
The case highlights the challenges faced by international businesses in enforcing contracts with parties based in different jurisdictions. It also shows the importance of legal recourse in resolving such disputes. As the legal battle continues, Zinni Media remains hopeful that the enforcement of the judgment will lead to the recovery of the owed funds and compensation for the damages incurred.
Mayweather, known for his undefeated boxing record and flamboyant lifestyle, has not publicly commented on the court’s ruling. The enforcement of the judgment may involve the seizure of his high-value assets, which could further impact his public image and financial standing.
The case serves as a reminder of the legal obligations that come with contractual agreements and the potential consequences of breaching them.
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