Tyson, Mayweather set for 2026 exhibition bout

Former world champions Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather have agreed to square off in an exhibition boxing match next spring, it was announced Thursday.

A date and location are to be determined.

The bout will be promoted by CSI Sports, a "leading global multimedia business" founded in 1997, according to the company's website.

Tyson, 59, will return to the ring for the first time since suffering a unanimous decision loss in a pro fight against YouTube star turned prizefighter Jake Paul last November. Tyson is a former heavyweight champion and one of the most devastating knockout artists in boxing history.

"This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen," Tyson said in a press release. "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."

Mayweather, 48, is significantly smaller than Tyson, having competed between junior lightweight and junior middleweight throughout his legendary career. He retired from pro competition in 2017 after knocking out UFC star Conor McGregor to lift his record to 50-0. However, Mayweather has since competed in several exhibitions, including a high-profile matchup against Logan Paul in 2021. He most recently stepped into the ring in August 2024, dominating John Gotti III in a rematch.

"I've been doing this for 30 years, and there hasn't been a single fighter that can tarnish my legacy," Mayweather said in the release. "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."