Undefeated boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. reportedly toured a sprawling residence at the Baccarat Hotel & Residences in Midtown Manhattan just before Christmas 2024 and wanted the keys immediately. He wanted to move in right away, agreeing to pay $100,000 a month in rent starting that very day.
Rent’s Due
The New York Post reported, the luxury apartment’s owners and brokers scrambled to make it happen. By that evening, Mayweather had signed the lease, handed over a $200,000 check covering the first month’s rent and security deposit, and moved into one of New York City’s most expensive rental properties.
But about six months later, the high-dollar rental reportedly turned into a legal battle. This comes as speculation swirls that the cash-flashing, blinged-out boxer might be financially strapped.
The apartment’s owners sued Mayweather in New York State Supreme Court, alleging he stopped paying rent and defaulted on hundreds of thousands of dollars owed under his lease. The lawsuit over the Baccarat residence was filed in early 2026.
Known as “The Gemstone Terrace,” the 4,178-square-foot residence sits on the 18th floor of the Baccarat Hotel at 20 W. 53rd St. The five-bedroom apartment features an open chef’s kitchen, five marble bathrooms, two marble powder rooms, and a massive 3,100-square-foot terrace equipped with a pickleball court. It offers sweeping views of the Midtown skyline.
Mayweather was staying at the nearby Plaza Hotel when he reportedly saw a promotional video featuring the apartment, The Post reported.
Compass broker Brian K. Lewis, who shared the listing at the time with fellow Compass broker Ryan Garson, said the team worked quickly to expedite Mayweather’s approval process.
“It was a lot of work, but we made it happen,” Lewis told The Post.
“We negotiated all day using creative strategies to accelerate the approval process and move him in the same day,” Garson said. He moved in just before Christmas 2024.
Mayweather reportedly arrived around 6 p.m., dressed in Versace and carrying a Gucci duffle bag. He wrote a $200,000 check to the property’s owners — Miami entrepreneurs and philanthropists David and Leila Centner. Mayweather also signed a separate agreement with a staging company to furnish the residence.
“He moved right in then and there. The staff loved him. There were no complaints,” Garson said.
According to the allegations outlined in court documents, Mayweather paid rent from December 2024 through June 2025. After that, the owners say, the payments stopped.
According to court documents, Mayweather — who has since moved out — signed a settlement agreement acknowledging $515,834.25 in unpaid rent and damages, agreeing to pay the balance and surrender the lease. However, the landlords allege he made only one $100,000 payment toward that sum.
The lawsuit seeks $337,736.13 for breach of contract, according to the summons. The figure reflects deductions for the $100,000 payment and the $100,000 security deposit.
The rental dispute comes as Mayweather faces other financial and legal issues.
Mayweather is facing a reported $7.27 million IRS lien related to unpaid federal taxes tied to 2018 and 2023.
In May, Mayweather also sued his former investment adviser Jona Rechnitz and others for $175 million, alleging fraud, theft, and mismanagement involving money and assets, including jewelry, a private jet, and real estate.
Mayweather has built a reputation for an extravagant lifestyle. He has earned more than $1.1 billion over the course of his boxing career.
