By Boxing icon Floyd Mayweather and rapper Tyga have been named in a $4 million lawsuit filed by Miami jeweler Leonard Sulaymanov, owner of Lenzo & Co., alleging violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act, the Miami New Times reports.
The federal lawsuit, filed in Miami, accuses the celebrities of failing to pay for diamond jewelry and luxury watches purchased in 2021. Beyond RICO violations, the suit includes claims of fraud, civil conspiracy, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and civil theft.
According to court documents, Sulaymanov alleges he sold Mayweather several high-end timepieces, including a yellow-gold Audemars Piguet watch, two Richard Mille watches, a Patek Philippe watch, and a rose-gold Rolex Presidential Day-Date. Additionally, the boxer allegedly purchased a diamond ring and necklace. Sulaymanov claims he received only $267,000 in down payments before Mayweather left Miami.
The lawsuit also implicates Tyga, asserting that the “Rack City” rapper failed to pay for a Rolex watch.
Mayweather and his entourage, known as “The Money Team” (TMT), are accused of engaging in “predatory, unfair, improper, fraudulent, and unscrupulous practices” to exploit Sulaymanov’s reputation and inventory. The suit alleges they systematically stole and converted watches and jewelry without paying agreed-upon prices.
The complaint details a 2021 meeting between Sulaymanov, Mayweather, and TMT members at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel. Despite alleged attempts to confiscate Sulaymanov’s phone, the jeweler claims he discreetly documented the transaction using another device, capturing images of purchased items and cash payments.
“Mayweather was seen wearing the diamond necklace and ring while riding in his TMT van after leaving Miami. He also recently posted a photo wearing the necklace alongside his agent,” the lawsuit states.
Two weeks after the initial meeting, Sulaymanov says he traveled to Las Vegas at the request of Mayweather’s agent, Jona Rechnitz. There, the jeweler claims Mayweather purchased additional items, including ten Rolex Presidential Anniversary watches, a Rolex Day-Date 40, and another Richard Mille watch. During this meeting, Tyga allegedly agreed to pay $79,000 for the Day-Date.
The lawsuit accuses Mayweather of making further purchases without settling his existing balance, allegedly misleading Sulaymanov into believing they would maintain a profitable business relationship.
Sulaymanov claims he exchanged messages with Rechnitz, who allegedly confirmed Mayweather owed $1.8 million for the watches. Despite assurances of payment, Sulaymanov says he never received the promised funds. The lawsuit asserts that Mayweather owes an additional $2 million for the diamond ring and necklace, bringing the total claimed amount to $4 million.
This legal action comes in the wake of Mayweather’s recent controversial exhibition fight against John Gotti III, where the boxer appeared to “fire” the referee mid-bout.
As the case unfolds, it sheds light on the complex relationships between celebrities, luxury goods, and the businesses that cater to them. The lawsuit’s RICO implications elevate the case beyond a simple contract dispute, potentially exposing broader patterns of behavior within Mayweather’s entourage and business dealings.
The legal proceedings are likely to draw significant attention from both the sports and entertainment worlds, given the high-profile nature of the defendants and the substantial sums involved.
Source: Daily MailOnline
