Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather agree to bombshell fight in 2026
Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather have reportedly agreed to fight in an exhibition match next year, with the bout expected to take place in the spring of 2026
Boxing icons Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather have agreed to square off in an exhibition bout next year, with the showdown expected to happen in the spring of 2026.
Tyson emerged from retirement to battle Jake Paul on Nov. 15, 2024, with the clash broadcast live on Netflix. Tyson earned approximately $20 million for the encounter, though he maintained that his choice to return to the ring wasn't motivated by money.
Mayweather has also participated in multiple contests since hanging up his gloves professionally, and has similarly taken on social media stars, entering the ring against Paul's sibling, Logan. Now, the two pugilistic giants are set to clash next year, with the encounter planned for spring 2026.
The shocking reports were verified by Tyson, who revealed to 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 risked his professional record when confronting Paul last year, adding another defeat to his tally. However, Mayweather stands at 50-0 and has declined to risk his perfect record when accepting bouts since his retirement.
Despite signing up for another exhibition, Mayweather isn't worried about facing Tyson and thinks their deal will benefit boxing enthusiasts.
"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 stepped away from boxing on June 11, 2005, during his final bout against Kevin McBride, but came back to the ring a year later. Tyson fought in a four-round exhibition against Corey Sanders, but then took a 15-year break before deciding to face Roy Jones Jr.
The power puncher put on the gloves once more last year when battling Paul, but Mayweather has stayed busier since hanging up his gloves professionally. Mayweather has taken on a Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, social media personality and WWE star Logan Paul, and fellow internet celebrity Deji.
Mayweather's most recent exhibition match was last year, when he squared off against John Gotti in Mexico City. The contest went the full eight rounds, as planned, but no victor was announced.
The regulations for Tyson's clash with Mayweather haven't been revealed yet, and conditions are anticipated to be worked out between the two fighters. It's anticipated that the match will be organized by CSI Sports/Fight Sports.