Boxing legends Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather have confirmed they will face each other in an exhibition match next year, with the spectacular clash scheduled for spring 2026. Tyson came out of retirement to take on Jake Paul on November 15, 2024, with the fight streamed live on Netflix.
The former heavyweight champion pocketed roughly £16million for the bout, though he insisted that financial gain wasn’t his primary motivation for stepping back into the ring. Mayweather has likewise competed in several exhibitions since officially retiring, and has also taken on internet celebrities, stepping into the ring against Paul’s brother, Logan. Now, the two boxing legends are poised to meet next year, with the encounter scheduled for spring 2026.
The astonishing reports were confirmed by Tyson, who told TMZ: “This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen. However, boxing has entered a new era of the unpredictable – and this fight is as unpredictable as it gets.
“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!”
Tyson put his professional record on the line when facing Paul last year, adding another loss to his record. However, Mayweather remains undefeated at 50-0 and has refused to jeopardise his pristine record when agreeing to fights since his retirement.
Despite agreeing to another exhibition bout, Mayweather remains confident about taking on Tyson and believes their arrangement will delight boxing fans. “I’ve been doing this for 30 years and there hasn’t been a single fighter that can tarnish my legacy,” Mayweather said.
“You already know that if I am going to do something, it’s going to be big and it’s going to be legendary. I’m the best in the business of boxing. This exhibition will give the fans what they want.”
Tyson retired from professional boxing on June 11, 2005, during his final encounter with Kevin McBride, but returned to action 12 months later.
Iron Mike competed in a four-round exhibition against Corey Sanders, before taking a 15-year hiatus prior to his decision to face Roy Jones Jr.
The knockout artist donned the gloves once again last year when battling Paul, whilst Mayweather has remained more active since retiring from professional competition.
Money has taken on Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, social media personality and WWE star Logan Paul, and fellow internet celebrity Deji.
Mayweather’s latest exhibition encounter took place last year, when he went toe-to-toe with John Gotti in Mexico City.
The bout lasted the full eight rounds as scheduled, though no winner was declared.
The rules for Tyson’s showdown with Mayweather have yet to be disclosed, with terms expected to be negotiated between both fighters. It’s expected that the bout will be promoted by CSI Sports/Fight Sports.