The End of an Era: Inside Leonard Ellerbe’s Departure from Mayweather Promotions

In the often-turbulent world of boxing, where alliances and loyalties shift as quickly as the winds, the recent departure of Leonard Ellerbe from his position as CEO of Mayweather Promotions, in what has been described as a forced resignation, has sent shockwaves through the boxing industry. Ellerbe, a stalwart in the boxing community and a long-time confidant of Floyd Mayweather Jr., had been a fixture in Mayweather Promotions since its inception. However, continued tensions surrounding his relationship with former Mayweather Promotions superstar, Gervonta “Tank” Davis have culminated in a dramatic shift within the organization.

Mayweather Promotions, founded in 2007 by Floyd Mayweather Jr., had grown to be one of the most influential entities in boxing. Under the leadership of Floyd and his trusted CEO, Leonard Ellerbe, the company quickly established itself by securing high-profile fighters and organizing some of the sport’s most lucrative events. Ellerbe’s keen business acumen and deep industry connections were instrumental in the company’s rise.

Ellerbe, who met Mayweather in the late 1990s, was more than just a business partner; he was a mentor, a strategist, and a friend. Their partnership was seen as unbreakable, with Ellerbe often playing the role of the calm, calculated counterbalance to Mayweather’s flamboyant persona. Together, they orchestrated some of the biggest pay-per-view events in history, including the iconic Mayweather-Pacquiao bout in 2015.

Gervonta “Tank” Davis, a prodigious talent from Baltimore, emerged as one of boxing’s brightest stars, post Floyd, under the Mayweather Promotions banner. Davis, known for his explosive power and charismatic presence, quickly rose through the ranks, capturing multiple world titles in the super featherweight and lightweight divisions. His association with Mayweather Promotions seemed like a match made in heaven, promising a future of blockbuster fights and immense earnings.

However, the relationship between Davis and the promotion had been anything but smooth. Despite his in-ring success, Davis had often been at the center of controversies, both inside and outside the ring. His legal troubles, coupled with a perceived lack of discipline, caused friction between Mayweather and Davis. Ellerbe served as a bit of a buffer between the two.

The seeds of discord were sown as Ellerbe’s involvement with Davis deepened. Floyd Mayweather, known for his meticulous control over his brand and business affairs, began to perceive Ellerbe’s relationship with Davis as a potential threat to his authority within the company. Reports of disagreements over the handling of Davis’s career began to surface, with Mayweather reportedly unhappy with the level of autonomy Ellerbe was granting the young fighter.

Davis’s star was on the rise, and his marketability was becoming comparable to that of Mayweather in his prime. This dynamic created a power struggle within Mayweather Promotions, with Mayweather feeling that Ellerbe was prioritizing Davis’s interests over the company’s broader objectives. The situation was further exacerbated by rumors of Davis considering leaving Mayweather Promotions, a move that would have significant financial implications for the company.

The tension reached a breaking point when Davis publicly expressed dissatisfaction with his treatment by Mayweather Promotions. In several interviews and social media posts, Davis hinted at feeling undervalued and over-managed, fueling speculation about his future with the company. Ellerbe’s attempts to placate Davis and keep him within the fold were perceived by Mayweather as undermining his own efforts to assert control over the young star. Davis ultimately decided to part ways with Mayweather Promotions after his Rolando “Rolly” Romero bout.

With the departure of Davis, Mayweather Promotions faced significant challenges. The promotion had not put on an event since December 2022. Fighters became increasingly frustrated with the lack of activity. The company continued to lose what was left of its stable, including Angelo Leo, Jalil Hackett, and the perpetually disgruntled J’hon Ingram. Angelo Leo, a former world champion, and Jalil Hackett, a promising young talent, decided to seek opportunities elsewhere. J’hon Ingram, expressing dissatisfaction with the promotion, also left, citing unmet expectations in a series of social media posts and interviews with Remy’s Corner Tawks and Queens of the Ring in May of 2024. The exodus of talent represented a substantial setback for Mayweather Promotions, which now must work to rebuild its roster.

With these recent departures, Mayweather Promotions finds itself with a notably thin talent pool. However, amidst these challenges, one bright spot remains: 17-year-old blue-chip prospect Curmel Moton. Moton, hailed as a future star in the sport, has shown exceptional promise with his technical skills, athleticism, and maturity beyond his years. As the company navigates through its transitional phase, Moton represents a crucial part of its future plans. The promotion is likely to invest heavily in his development, positioning him as a cornerstone for rebuilding and future success. His progress will be closely watched as Mayweather Promotions strives to return to its former glory.

The decision to part with Leonard Ellerbe represented a dramatic turn of events. Floyd Mayweather made the decision to part ways with Ellerbe, citing irreconcilable differences over the direction of the company and the handling of its key fighters. Ellerbe’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of Mayweather Promotions. His exit leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, given his deep industry knowledge and the trust he had built with fighters and business partners alike. The immediate future of Mayweather Promotions now rests heavily on Floyd Mayweather’s ability to navigate these turbulent waters and stabilize the company.

In a strategic move to stabilize and rejuvenate the company, Floyd has appointed Richard Schaefer as the new CEO of Mayweather Promotions. Schaefer, renowned for his successful tenure at Golden Boy Promotions, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of promoting some of the biggest names in boxing. His expertise in deal-making and fighter management is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Mayweather Promotions, helping to navigate through its current challenges and lay the groundwork for future successes. Schaefer’s appointment signals Mayweather’s commitment to maintaining the company’s prominence in the boxing world.

The forced departure of Leonard Ellerbe from Mayweather Promotions highlights the intricate and often volatile nature of relationships within the boxing industry. It underscores the delicate balance between business interests and personal loyalties, and how quickly things can change when those balances are disrupted. As Mayweather Promotions enters this new era, the impact of Ellerbe’s exit will be felt across the sport, and the true extent of its ramifications will unfold in the months and years to come.

According to sources that spoke on a condition of anonymity, Leonard Ellerbe is expected to take on a larger role in managing the career of boxing sensation Gervonta “Tank” Davis. Ellerbe had continued to serve as part of Davis’s team as an advisor and mouthpiece, despite protests from Floyd. The exact nature of the title has not been confirmed, but the expectation is that Ellerbe will be named CEO of GTD Promotions. Ellerbe, who has been instrumental in Davis’s rise to stardom, will now dedicate his efforts to ensuring that the fighter reaches his full potential both in and out of the ring. This new arrangement allows Ellerbe to leverage his deep industry knowledge and personal rapport with Davis to guide the young star through the next phases of his career. With Ellerbe’s focused attention, Davis is poised to solidify his standing as one of the sport’s biggest superstars, along with Naoya Inoue and Canelo Alvarez.

Leonard Ellerbe’s contributions to the rise of Mayweather Promotions and his role in shaping the careers of fighters like Gervonta Davis will be remembered as part of a legacy built on both triumphs and trials. As for Mayweather Promotions, the journey continues, with new challenges and opportunities on the horizon, under the leadership of Schaefer, and a reminder that in boxing, as in life, the only constant is change.