Boxing fans worldwide are abuzz with the news that Mike Tyson, 59, and Floyd Mayweather, 48, have agreed to a highly anticipated fight in the spring of 2026.
The announcement, made on Thursday night, was confirmed by boxing production company CSI Sports. Tyson further ignited excitement by sharing a “Coming Soon” poster featuring both legendary boxers on his Instagram.
Tyson Mayweather 2026 fight // Facebook
Fighters’ Reactions
Both Hall-of-Fame boxers have shared their thoughts on the upcoming clash. Mike Tyson expressed surprise at the agreement:
“I still can’t believe Floyd wants to really do this. It’s going to be detrimental to his health, but he wants to do it, so it’s signed and it’s happening!”
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Tyson added that this fight is “something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen,” marking a new era of unpredictability in boxing.
Floyd Mayweather, known for his undefeated record, remained confident in his legacy:
Tyson Mayweather 2026 fight // Facebook
“I’ve been doing this for 30 years and there hasn’t been a single fighter that can tarnish my legacy… This exhibition will give the fans what they want.”
Key Details and Remaining Questions
While the bout is confirmed for spring 2026, several key details remain unreleased. A specific date, location, and a television partner are yet to be announced.
A significant question surrounds the nature of the fight: will it be a professional, sanctioned bout or an exhibition?
Mayweather has indicated it will be an exhibition, meaning it would not be sanctioned by an athletic commission or count towards either fighter’s professional record. However, the fight promoters have not yet confirmed this.
The weight class for the fight also needs clarification. If it proceeds as a professional bout, a mutually agreed weight limit would be necessary.
Should it be an exhibition, both boxers are likely to enter the ring close to their last fought weights. This could see Mayweather around the middleweight limit, while Tyson is expected to be around the 220-230 pound range.
Tyson Mayweather 2026 fight // Facebook
Tyson weighed 230 pounds for his fight against Jake Paul last year.
Given their ages – Tyson is 59 and Mayweather is 48 – the fight may feature non-standard rules.
When Tyson fought Jake Paul last November, for instance, rounds were shortened to two minutes from the standard three, and the bout was limited to eight rounds.
Both fighters also wore heavier gloves, a practice likely to be adopted for the Tyson-Mayweather event.
Recent Ring Appearances
This upcoming fight marks Mike Tyson’s third return to the ring in approximately six years, having initially retired from professional boxing in 2005.
Tyson Mayweather 2026 fight // Facebook
He previously participated in an exhibition bout against former champion Roy Jones, Jr. in 2020. Last November (2024), Tyson fought his first professional bout in 19 years, losing to Jake Paul.
Floyd Mayweather retired from professional boxing in 2017 following a knockout victory against Conor McGregor, concluding his career with a perfect 50-0 record.
Since his retirement, he has engaged in multiple exhibition contests. In 2021, he fought Logan Paul in an exhibition where, despite no official winner, ESPN scored the fight 78-74 in Mayweather’s favour.
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Mayweather was recently named the top boxer of the century by ESPN.
Tyson Mayweather 2026 fight // Facebook
While boxing exhibitions featuring retired champions are not a new phenomenon, Tyson’s frequent returns to the ring after his 2005 retirement are considered somewhat unique.
This “Legend vs. Legend” encounter is set to be a significant moment in boxing history.
by moses sagwe
