Crypto Gloss

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Definition: Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a retired undefeated professional boxer who became a prominent and controversial crypto promoter — most notably being named in the Centra Tech ICO fraud case in 2018, settling civil charges with the SEC, and promoting EthereumMax (EMAX) in 2021.

Crypto Involvement

Centra Tech ICO (2017–2018)

Mayweather was paid $100,000 to promote the Centra Tech ICO on social media, calling it “the first legitimate cryptocurrency backed debit card.” He did not disclose the payment.

Outcome:

  • The three Centra Tech founders were arrested in April 2018 and convicted of securities fraud and wire fraud.
  • In November 2018, the SEC announced Mayweather settled civil charges related to the ICO promotion for approximately $614,775 — covering disgorgement, interest, and a penalty.
  • Mayweather agreed not to promote any securities for 2 years.

DJ Khaled (Khaled Mohamed Khaled) also settled related charges for ~$150,000 in the same action.

EthereumMax (2021)

Mayweather, Kardashian, and Pippen’s promotions helped pump EMAX before it subsequently collapsed. Investor class action lawsuits followed.

Logan Paul Exhibition (2021)

Timeline

  • 2017 — Promoted Centra Tech ICO on social media for $100,000.
  • Sept 2018 — SEC charged Mayweather for failing to disclose promotional payment.
  • Nov 2018 — SEC settlement: ~$614,775; 2-year promotional ban.
  • June 2021 — Promoted EthereumMax around boxing exhibition vs. Logan Paul.
  • 2022 — Named in EthereumMax investor class action lawsuits alongside Kardashian and Pippen.
  • 2024 — Suits still active; EthereumMax effectively defunct.

Controversies

  • Centra Tech fraud — Directly promoted what turned out to be a fabricated-partnership ICO fraud. His social reach amplified the fraud significantly.
  • Repeat offender — Promoting EthereumMax after the Centra Tech ban expired drew heavy criticism as pattern behavior.
  • No criminal charges — Despite the underlying fraud, neither Mayweather nor Khaled faced criminal charges — only civil SEC enforcement.

Social Media Sentiment

Mayweather’s crypto involvement is largely presented as a cautionary tale for celebrity promotions. He is cited in virtually every regulatory discussion about influencer liability in token promotions. His defending (in interviews) of EMAX as merely “enthusiasm” is treated as illustrative of insufficient accountability.

Related Terms

Last updated: 2026-04