Floyd Mayweather has offered to cover the funeral expenses for George Floyd, the African-American man whose death while in police custody in Minneapolis prompted protests across the United States.

The former five-division world champion's promotional company, Mayweather Promotions, confirmed on Twitter he had made the offer, and several local media reports have said the family have accepted.

Supremewriter tweeted a picture of a cheque from Mayweather to George Floyd's funeral service for $88,500.

Mayweather also paid for the funerals of Genaro Hernandez, his former opponent, and the legendary Joe Frazier in 2011.

Mayweather Promotions and the boxer's agency have yet to respond to a request for comment.

The Minneapolis police officer who kneeled on Floyd, Derek Chauvin, has been sacked and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.