Mayweather passport revocation threatens Greece exhibition

Floyd Mayweather's scheduled June 27 exhibition against kickboxer Mike Zambidis in Athens could be cancelled after the IRS notified him of plans to revoke his U.S. passport over unresolved tax debt, The Ring reports.

The IRS sent the notice in late March, nearly a month before Mayweather announced the Greece fight on April 23, according to documents reviewed by the outlet. The agency cited a seriously delinquent tax debt exceeding $7.25 million between liens and levies as the reason for the passport action.

Tyson exhibition also in jeopardy over travel restrictions

The passport issue also threatens Mayweather's planned exhibition with Mike Tyson, announced in September without a confirmed date or location. CSI Sports, the promoter contracted to stage that event by April 30, received an extension to May 30, per sources cited by The Ring. The Democratic Republic of Congo emerged as a leading site option, but holding the fight outside the U.S. would require a valid passport. CSI Global Live Events head Mark Taffett did not respond to requests for comment.

Mayweather can prevent the revocation by paying the full debt, reaching an installment agreement with the Department of Justice, proving financial hardship, or filing for bankruptcy. The Ring made multiple unsuccessful attempts to reach Mayweather or his representatives for comment.

Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are negotiating a September 19 rematch at either MGM Grand or T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas after disputes over whether their Sphere bout would count as a professional fight or exhibition. Pacquiao said on "Inside The Ring" in April, "I wouldn't fight an exhibition. It's either a real fight or nothing."

Source: ringmagazine.com