Mayweather due in court after scuffle

Mayweather due in court after scuffle

Published Dec. 7, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. is scheduled to appear Wednesday before a Las Vegas judge on a misdemeanor battery charge accusing him of poking a security guard in the face during an argument outside Mayweather's home.

The latest legal scuffle for the 33-year-old undefeated professional fighter stems from allegations that he ''repeatedly'' jabbed 21-year-old homeowner association guard Shayne Smith in the cheek after Smith wrote parking violations for two vehicles Nov. 15 outside Mayweather's house.

Mayweather's attorney, Richard Wright, was out of town Tuesday and unavailable for immediate comment.

Celebrity website TMZ first reported on the complaint filed Friday in Las Vegas Justice Court.

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A police report obtained by The Associated Press alleges ''willful and unlawful use of force'' by Mayweather, one of boxing's most recognizable champions. He has won five different weight classes up to 154 pounds, with 25 of his 41 wins by knockout, and goes by the nickname ''Money.''

Mayweather has been free on $3,000 bail pending a Jan. 24 court appearance on unrelated felony coercion, grand larceny and robbery charges stemming from a Sept. 9 dispute with the mother of his children. He could face up to 34 years in prison if convicted of those charges.

Wright has previously denied wrongdoing on Mayweather's behalf.

A conviction on the battery charge could result in a six-month jail sentence and a $1,000 fine.

Police allege a ''verbally abusive'' Mayweather stood in the road, blocking Smith from leaving a cul-de-sac while ''lambasting'' Smith for ticketing his vehicles. Mayweather is accused of removing a parking sticker from one of his cars and slapping it on Smith's security patrol vehicle before the fingertip confrontation.

Police photographed what the report calls redness and discoloration on Smith's face below the left eye. The report does not say if Smith was treated by a doctor or taken to a hospital.

A Las Vegas police sergeant reported that Mayweather refused to come outside his house to speak with investigating officers.

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