In an unprecedented turn of events, legendary boxing champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather is facing a firestorm of backlash from his own fanbase following a scathing exposé by ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith. The exposé, which aired during a special segment on First Take, has sent shockwaves through the sports world, igniting fierce criticism and even alleged confrontations at recent public appearances.
The Smith Bombshell
Stephen A. Smith, never one to shy away from controversy, dropped what he called “the truth the world has been waiting to hear” in a 20-minute segment that aired Wednesday morning. Without holding back, Smith accused Mayweather of exploiting his legacy for profit, misleading young fighters, and disrespecting the very sport that made him a billionaire.
“Floyd Mayweather is no longer about boxing. He’s about ego, vanity, and using smoke and mirrors to maintain relevance,” Smith declared. “He hasn’t faced a real fighter in years. These exhibition matches? They’re a joke. And the fans deserve better.”
Smith further alleged that Mayweather has been making “under-the-table” deals with promoters and influencers to orchestrate scripted bouts, all while presenting them as legitimate contests.
Fan Backlash Erupts
Almost instantly after the exposé aired, social media exploded with #MayweatherExposed trending globally on X (formerly Twitter). Thousands of fans who once idolized the 50-0 champion expressed their disappointment, with some even claiming they had been “duped for years.”
“I paid $60 to watch him fight a YouTuber for 8 rounds of hugging,” one angry fan posted. “Now I find out it was all a setup?”
But the situation escalated even further during a Thursday meet-and-greet event in Miami. Eyewitnesses report that a group of fans began heckling Mayweather as he arrived, yelling phrases like “Fraud Mayweather” and “Stop robbing boxing.” Security was forced to step in when the crowd surged forward, and at least one individual reportedly threw a water bottle in the champion’s direction.
Mayweather was quickly escorted out of the venue. No injuries were reported, but the incident is being reviewed by local authorities.
Mayweather Responds
Never one to back down, Mayweather responded later that night via an Instagram Live session. Sporting sunglasses and his trademark confidence, the former champion dismissed the criticism as “jealous noise.”
“I built my empire with my own two hands,” Mayweather said. “Stephen A. Smith? He’s just mad he doesn’t get a cut. Ain’t nobody scamming nobody. If you don’t like watching me, don’t pay. Simple.”
However, the video only seemed to fan the flames, with comments pouring in accusing him of arrogance and failing to address the real accusations.
The Boxing World Reacts
Other voices in the boxing world have also weighed in. Former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson defended Mayweather, calling the attacks “overblown.”
“Floyd’s always been about the money. That’s not new,” Tyson said. “He’s not hurting anybody. Let the man live.”
Meanwhile, Canelo Álvarez — one of Mayweather’s most high-profile former opponents — offered a more cryptic reaction: “The truth always comes out. Eventually.”
What’s Next?
While Mayweather has yet to announce any changes to his upcoming exhibition schedule, sources close to his camp suggest that several sponsors are now reconsidering partnerships. One promoter, speaking anonymously, said that “the aura is fading” and that Mayweather may need to rebuild trust with his base.
Stephen A. Smith, for his part, says he stands by every word.
“I’m not here to protect anyone’s legacy. I’m here to speak facts. If Mayweather wants to respond, I’ll be waiting — live, unfiltered, and ready.”
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Floyd Mayweather may have won every fight in the ring, but now he’s facing the toughest opponent of his career — public opinion.
