The passport restriction creates an immediate problem for Mayweather’s planned June 27 exhibition against Mike Zambidis in Greece, along with discussions about a possible September fight with Mike Tyson.
Without a valid passport, international travel is restricted, leaving those events in limbo and forcing promoters to rethink timelines or locations.
The situation also comes as there have been separate talks about a possible rematch with Manny Pacquiao, adding further uncertainty to Mayweather’s exhibition schedule.
This isn’t the first time Mayweather has faced major tax issues, having previously dealt with high-value IRS liens over his career. However, the current notice directly affects his ability to leave the United States, making it a more immediate obstacle than previous financial disputes.
If the passport action moves forward, Mayweather’s upcoming exhibitions may have to be postponed, moved or canceled altogether.
This is a rare case where business outside the ring can stop the show before it even starts.
Mayweather is no stranger to the IRS. He handled a $22 million lien following the Pacquiao fight in 2015 and a $7.2 million issue in 2010. However, these were largely collection disputes. This current move targeting his travel privileges creates a “red alert” scenario.
If his legal team can’t quickly secure a stay or a formal payment plan, we could see a shift where “Money” is forced to keep its exhibitions strictly within US borders. For a fighter who recently enjoyed the duty-free and high-guarantee environments of Dubai and Japan, this is a significant hit on the mark.
