Two of boxing’s most iconic names, Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather, are preparing to meet in the ring in what is already being billed as one of the most unpredictable events in the sport’s history.
Tyson, 59, and Mayweather, 48, have officially signed contracts for an exhibition bout set for 2026, according to TMZ. The announcement has left the boxing world buzzing and in many cases, deeply concerned.
For Tyson, the matchup comes on the heels of a disappointing return last year against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
That fight, which Tyson postponed once due to an ulcer, ended in a lopsided unanimous decision loss where the former heavyweight champion struggled to mount any serious offense. The showing left many wondering whether he should ever fight again.
That’s why the latest announcement immediately drew alarm from fans. “Mike Tyson is gonna die in there,” one fan bluntly wrote on social media.
Another added: “Who the f*** watched Mike Tyson look half dead fighting Jake Paul and thought this was a good idea??”
Tyson and Mayweather respond
Despite the backlash, both fighters insist the exhibition is happening – and that the risks lie with the other man.
“This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen,” Tyson told TMZ. “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, who retired undefeated at 50-0, framed the fight as another chance to prove his unmatched legacy.
“I’ve been doing this for 30 years and there hasn’t been a single fighter that can tarnish my legacy,” he 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.”
The fight will be promoted by CSI Sports and Fight Sports, though no official date or venue has yet been confirmed.
Mayweather, who last fought professionally in 2017 against Conor McGregor in one of the biggest pay-per-view events in history, has continued to stay active through exhibitions – most recently against John Gotti III in August 2024.
Tyson, meanwhile, last fought in November 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. His bout with Jake Paul, watched by an astounding 108 million viewers worldwide, was widely panned as uneventful and sparked questions about whether the former heavyweight great should continue boxing at all.
Read the full article here
