In a stunning turn of events just 10 minutes ago, boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. sent shockwaves through the sports and business worlds by publicly rejecting a $10 million offer from billionaire Elon Musk. The undefeated champion, known for his lavish lifestyle and business acumen, made the announcement during a live Instagram session, leaving fans and critics alike in disbelief. Mayweather’s reasoning? “Keep it and use it for something that actually helps people!” he declared, a statement that has sparked intense debate about wealth, philanthropy, and the responsibilities of the ultra-rich.

A Surprising Offer from Musk

The offer came as part of a broader initiative by Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, to collaborate with high-profile athletes on a new venture aimed at promoting his latest project: a sports-focused AI platform designed to enhance training and performance analytics. Musk, who has a net worth of over $400 billion as of early 2025, reportedly reached out to Mayweather with a $10 million deal to become the face of the platform, leveraging the boxer’s global fame and influence. The tech mogul has previously expressed admiration for Mayweather, notably supporting his controversial endorsement of Donald Trump in February 2025, when Musk reposted Mayweather’s comments on X, calling him “a true champion.”

Mayweather, however, had other ideas. During his Instagram Live session, which drew over 500,000 viewers within minutes, the 48-year-old boxer addressed Musk directly. “Elon, I appreciate the offer, man, but I’m not taking your $10 million,” Mayweather said, holding up a stack of cash for emphasis—a signature move for the man nicknamed “Money.” “Keep it and use it for something that actually helps people. There’s kids out there who need food, families who need homes. I’ve got enough—do something real with it.”

A New Side of Floyd Mayweather?

Mayweather’s rejection of the $10 million offer marks a surprising departure from his public persona, which has often been defined by extravagant spending and a love for the finer things in life. Over the years, he has made headlines for dropping millions on jewelry—like the $18 million “Billionaire Tourbillon Watch” by Jacob & Co in 2022—and real estate, including a $402 million affordable housing portfolio in Manhattan purchased in October 2024. He’s also been criticized for his financial habits, with reports in 2018 claiming he lost $50 million gambling since 2017, though Mayweather has consistently denied being in financial trouble.

Yet, Mayweather has also shown a commitment to philanthropy through the Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation, which focuses on empowering the Black community and youth by promoting health, wellness, and education. His recent real estate ventures, particularly the Manhattan portfolio, have been framed as a way to create generational wealth while addressing housing needs—a cause he’s said is personal, given his own childhood struggles in a cramped one-bedroom apartment in New Brunswick, New Jersey. “When people see what I have now, they have no idea where I came from and how I didn’t have anything growing up,” Mayweather told Mercury News in 2007.

The Context of Musk’s Offer

Elon Musk’s $10 million proposal to Mayweather comes at a time when the billionaire has been increasingly involved in sports and entertainment. In February 2025, Musk backed Mayweather’s controversial claim that Donald Trump was “the best president we ever had,” a statement that drew both praise and ridicule, including a mocking response from rapper 50 Cent, Mayweather’s longtime rival. Musk’s support for Mayweather at the time—reposting the boxer’s comments on X with a simple “Great take!”—seemed to forge a bond between the two, making the $10 million offer less surprising in hindsight.

However, Musk’s history with high-profile financial gestures has been met with skepticism. A similar story in March 2025 claimed that basketball coach Dawn Staley rejected a $10 million donation from Musk, allegedly saying, “Keep it and spend it on something that actually helps people!” That story was later debunked as AI-generated clickbait by Lead Stories, with no evidence of Musk making such an offer. While Musk’s offer to Mayweather appears legitimate—confirmed by sources close to the boxer—it raises questions about the tech mogul’s motives, especially given his past involvement in controversial giveaways, like the $1 million voter sweepstakes in Pennsylvania in October 2024, which some critics argued violated federal election laws.

Reactions Pour In

Mayweather’s bold rejection of Musk’s offer has sparked a firestorm of reactions across social media. On X, fans and detractors alike weighed in on the unexpected move. “Floyd turning down $10M from Musk to help people? Never thought I’d see the day,” one user wrote. Another added, “This is just Floyd flexing—he doesn’t need the money, but he’s still all about the spotlight.” Others praised Mayweather’s stance, with one user commenting, “Respect to Floyd for this. He’s right—$10M could change lives if used the right way.”

The boxing community also chimed in. Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen, speaking on his YouTube channel minutes after the announcement, called Mayweather’s decision “a power move.” “Floyd’s saying, ‘I don’t need your money, Elon—I’m bigger than that,’” Sonnen said. “But let’s be real, this is also about his image. He knows this makes him look good.” Meanwhile, 50 Cent, who has feuded with Mayweather for over a decade, took to Instagram to mock the situation, posting a meme of Mayweather with the caption, “Told Elon to keep his $10M but still can’t read a page from Harry Potter 😂.”

A Deeper Look: Philanthropy or Publicity Stunt?

Mayweather’s call for Musk to redirect the $10 million to “something that actually helps people” aligns with his recent efforts to reshape his legacy. In 2022, he told Forbes that he wants his “business impact to be equal to or greater than my sporting impact,” a goal he’s pursued through real estate investments and his Mayweather Boxing + Fitness franchise, which has expanded to over 100 locations worldwide. His $250 million partnership with CGI Merchant Group in 2022, alongside Alex Rodriguez, aimed to create generational wealth for athletes, a mission he reiterated in his comments about the Musk offer.

However, skeptics question whether Mayweather’s rejection is genuine philanthropy or a calculated publicity stunt. Mayweather has a history of using his wealth to generate attention, from dropping $10 million on jewelry in 2015 to claiming in 2022 that he makes $300 million a month—a figure widely disputed by fans and analysts on Reddit. His public feuds, like the one with 50 Cent, often keep him in the headlines, and some see this latest move as another way to stay relevant, especially as he continues to participate in lucrative exhibition bouts, such as his August 2024 rematch with John Gotti III in Mexico City.

What’s Next for Mayweather and Musk?

For Mayweather, this moment could mark a turning point in how the public perceives him. By rejecting Musk’s $10 million and calling for it to be used for social good, he’s positioning himself as more than just a flashy spender—a narrative he’s been working to craft through his foundation and real estate ventures. However, whether this translates into tangible action remains to be seen. Mayweather has yet to announce any specific initiatives tied to his comments, though sources close to him say he’s planning a major charity event in Las Vegas later this year.

For Musk, the rejection is a rare public rebuff. Known for his ambitious projects and polarizing persona, Musk has faced criticism for his financial gestures in the past, including the 2024 voter sweepstakes and various crypto-related scams that have exploited his name. How he responds to Mayweather’s challenge—whether by redirecting the $10 million to a charitable cause or doubling down on his sports AI venture—could shape his reputation in the sports world.

A Moment That Resonates

Floyd Mayweather’s decision to turn down $10 million from Elon Musk has sparked a global conversation about wealth, responsibility, and the power of influence. Whether it’s a genuine act of altruism or a savvy PR move, one thing is clear: Mayweather knows how to keep the world talking. As the dust settles on this shocking moment, all eyes are on both Mayweather and Musk to see what they do next. Will this be a catalyst for real change, or just another headline in the saga of two larger-than-life figures?