Floyd Mayweather Sr. claims fraud in Vegas lawsuit

The father of champion boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. claims he was tricked into signing a contract for public relations consulting by a woman who agreed to help him set up a nonprofit corporation.

Floyd Mayweather Sr., a trainer and former professional boxer, made the allegation in a lawsuit filed Sept. 25 in Clark County District Court. Named as defendants are Ann Barlow and Tim Chan, who are identified only as Clark County residents.

"Mr. Mayweather wants to make sure that the public at large is aware that he's not involved in any deceitful practices, and therefore the lawsuit is required to protect his interests and the public's interests," said the father's attorney, Taylor Randolph.

Neither Barlow nor Chan could be reached for comment.

According to the complaint, the elder Mayweather previously suffered from sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease that primarily affects the lungs and lymph glands.

In early June, the lawsuit alleges, he "engaged with defendant Barlow in order to get assistance setting up a nonprofit corporation for sarcoidosis and other ailments that former fighters often suffer from."

About three weeks later, the two entered into a contract, according to the complaint.

"Unbeknownst to Mr. Mayweather, the agreement, which Barlow prepared for Mr. Mayweather's signature, concerned an arrangement for public relations consulting rather than an arrangement for obtaining assistance in setting up a nonprofit foundation," the lawsuit alleges. "Mr. Mayweather would not have signed the agreement had he known it concerned public relations consulting."

The agreement included a provision that the elder Mayweather pay Barlow 10 percent of his earnings starting Jan. 1 and "that any other costs or fees must be approved by Mr. Mayweather," according to the complaint.

On July 31, Barlow filed articles of incorporation with the Nevada secretary of state to form the foundation. According to the lawsuit, Barlow was listed as registered agent; both defendants and Mayweather were listed as members of the board of directors.

Around the same date, Mayweather opened a bank account for the foundation. According to the complaint, the account had a balance of $13,845.19 on the morning of Sept. 11.

The lawsuit claims Barlow made seven teller withdrawals, totaling about $8,600, from the account on that date and used the account's debit card to spend about $4,500 on several other transactions. By Sept. 12, the account had a balance of $722.96.

"Barlow was not authorized to withdraw or spend money from the bank account," according to the lawsuit, which suggests Barlow used the money "for personal endeavors."

Mayweather and the foundation sent correspondence to Barlow around Sept. 15 "ordering her to cease and desist all contact with Mr. Mayweather" and explaining that the agreement was terminated, according to the complaint.

"Despite the correspondence, Barlow continued to attempt to be involved in Mr. Mayweather's dealings," the lawsuit alleges.

Around Sept. 22, Mayweather filed a police report concerning Barlow's conduct, according to the lawsuit.

"To plaintiff's knowledge and belief defendant is using his name and image on various websites and media, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others without his permission," the lawsuit alleges.

The lawsuit's claims include fraudulent misrepresentation, breach of contract and unjust enrichment. Mayweather also is seeking a protection order "to prevent Barlow's continued harassment."

According to the secretary of state's website, Barlow is the registered agent for two active entities: Virtuous Women of Power Inc., a nonprofit corporation, and Positive Image Consulting Services & PR, a limited liability company. The site lists the status of the Floyd Joy Mayweather Foundation as "default."

The same Las Vegas address is listed for Barlow under all three entities.

Contact reporter Carri Geer Thevenot at cgeer@reviewjournal.com or 702-384-8710. Find her on Twitter: @CarriGeer