It is a sad, unavoidable truth in the ever-dangerous sport of boxing that the greats seldom stay retired.
There are a handful of examples — former heavyweight kings Rocky Marciano and Lennox Lewis spring instantly to mind — of greats who got out on top with their fortunes and health intact.
Some of the greatest to ever do it, from Muhammad Ali to Sugar Ray Robinson, failed to free themselves from the allure of the prize ring and continued well past their prime to diminishing and, frankly, sad returns.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. retired from professional boxing after his 2015 win over Andre Berto with an identical 49-0 record to Marciano. He returned two years later for a money-spinning crossover fight with UFC superstar Conor McGregor, completing the formality of a TKO win.
Mayweather has since shown an inability to stay away, dabbling in several exhibition bouts, typically with participants from other combat sports or YouTubers.
Heavyweight icon Mike Tyson has himself indulged in that Mayweather template, returning for an exhibition with fellow great Roy Jones Jr in 2020 and boxing to a points defeat against Jake Paul in November 2024.
MORE: Floyd Mayweather Jr. net worth: Breaking down how much boxing legend ‘Money’ Mayweather has made in career earnings
Is Mike Tyson fighting Floyd Mayweather?
In September 2025, it was announced that Mayweather and Tyson would meet in an exhibition bout in 2026.
The fact that Tyson campaigned exclusively in the heavyweight division, while Mayweather’s career as a five-weight world champion spanned super featherweight to light middleweight, was dismissed as a minor detail by both men.
“Boxing has entered a new era of the unpredictable – and this fight is as unpredictable as it gets,” said the 59-year-old Tyson, despite the grimly predictable and dutiful trudge of his 10 rounds with Paul.
“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, added: “I’ve been doing this for 30 years and there hasn’t been a single fighter that can tarnish my legacy.
“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.”
However, the fight has still not taken place, other high-profile bouts for Mayweather have been discussed and promotional noise for the exhibition clash has never been cranked up to any extent. So what’s going on?
Mike Tyson vs. Floyd Mayweather date and venue
One piece of information put out was that Tyson and Mayweather would fight on Saturday, April 25, in the Democratic Republic of Congo — formerly Zaire, where Muhammad Ali and George Foreman famously clashed in their 1976 ‘Rumble in the Jungle’. But that’s not happening.
As the date and the provision fight week moved closer, no further information was forthcoming. Mayweather’s schedule beyond the Tyson date is both busy and largely unconfirmed, amid mounting speculation that ‘Money’ is experiencing financial difficulties.
Floyd has also announced a bout in Greece with 45-year-old kickboxer and martial artist Mike Zambidis and a September date in Las Vegas with his great rival Manny Pacquiao.
On the website of CSI Sports/Fight Sports, the multimedia company with which Mayweather has partnered for his comeback, the Tyson fight is displayed on a promotional poster that reads both “signed” and “date coming soon”. The Pacquiao fight is slated for September 19 at the Sphere.
Speaking to Vegas Sports Today on March 30, Mayweather claimed the Tyson fight remained part of his plans but offered no further indication on a date or venue.
“I have got an exhibition with Mike Tyson also, another exhibition in Greece. So, if I am just sitting at home, working out every day, spending time with my grandson, spending time with my children, I said, ‘why not go out, have a little fun, entertain and put on some exhibitions’,” he said.
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Mike Tyson vs. Floyd Mayweather: How much money?
We all know the real reason that a potentially freakish spectacle might still take place, but the lack of information over a date or venue also extends to the financial, commercial and broadcasting arrangements.
Tyson earned a reported $20million purse for the Jake Paul fight and would surely have his eyes on at least a similar figure.
Mayweather, who held his earning potential in a similar esteem to his formidable fighting record, is unlikely to get into the ring without receiving an eye-watering sum. Again, using Tyson’s previous bout as a guide, YouTube disruptor Paul claimed a reported $40m purse.
MORE: Full story on Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson purses
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