Floyd Mayweather Jr. Returns to Pro Boxing After Mike Tyson Exhibition in 2026

Floyd Mayweather Jr., who is nearly 49, will have his first professional boxing match in Summer 2026. This is his first pro fight since 2017.
By Newsroom | Boxing, Sports |

Floyd Mayweather Jr., a legendary figure in professional boxing, has announced his intention to end his retirement and return to competitive boxing. This decision follows a scheduled exhibition match against Mike Tyson. The announcement marks a significant shift for the undefeated boxer, who has largely been involved in exhibition bouts since his official retirement.

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The prospect of Mayweather, who will soon turn 49, returning to professional boxing raises questions about the current landscape of the sport and his place within it. His return is framed within a broader strategy involving his new promotional partners, CSI Sports/Fight Sports, and is accompanied by declarations of his continued ability to "set more records."

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Timeline of Events and Key Actors

  • Floyd Mayweather Jr.: An undefeated professional boxer with a record of 50 wins and 0 losses. He retired from professional boxing in 2017.

  • Mike Tyson: A former heavyweight boxing champion. He is scheduled to have an exhibition match with Mayweather.

  • CSI Sports/Fight Sports: A promotional company with whom Mayweather has signed an exclusive agreement for the next stage of his career.

  • February 20, 2026 (and surrounding dates): Reports and announcements regarding Mayweather's comeback emerged around this period.

  • Spring 2026: The exhibition match between Mayweather and Tyson is slated to occur during this season.

  • Summer 2026: Mayweather's first official professional fight back is reportedly scheduled for this period.

Evidence of Comeback Announcement

Multiple sources confirm Mayweather's announcement to end his retirement and resume his professional boxing career.

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  • Statement from Mayweather: He stated, "I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing." He also added, "From my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards – no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event – than my events." This was communicated through statements to ESPN and included in press releases.

  • Exclusive Agreement: Mayweather has signed an exclusive agreement with CSI Sports/Fight Sports as his promoter for his professional return.

  • Timing: The announcements were made just days before Mayweather's 49th birthday.

  • Professional Bout Scheduled: His first official professional bout is set for this summer against an opponent yet to be named.

Details of the Exhibition and Professional Return

The details surrounding Mayweather's return are becoming clearer, though some aspects remain unconfirmed.

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Exhibition Match Against Mike Tyson

  • The exhibition match against Mike Tyson is scheduled for spring 2026.

  • Reports suggest the fight may take place in the Democratic Republic of Congo, though this has not been confirmed.

  • No network has been announced to broadcast the exhibition bout.

  • Mayweather and Tyson will have a combined age of 107 years during this exhibition.

Professional Comeback

  • Mayweather's return to professional boxing will occur after the exhibition with Tyson.

  • His first professional fight is slated for the summer of 2026.

  • The opponent for this professional bout has not yet been announced.

  • The agreement with CSI Sports/Fight Sports is described as exclusive and covers this new phase of his career.

Mayweather's Stated Motivations and Business Acumen

Mayweather has articulated his rationale for returning, emphasizing his enduring capability and business foresight.

  • Record-Setting Potential: He explicitly stated his belief that he can "set more records" in boxing.

  • Financial and Broadcast Dominance: Mayweather predicts his events will continue to be unmatched in terms of generating revenue, global viewership, and audience engagement.

  • Partnership with CSI Sports/Fight Sports: The signing of an exclusive deal highlights his strategic approach to his career's next chapter, with the company expressing enthusiasm for promoting him.

Contrasting Perspectives on Mayweather's Return

While Mayweather frames his comeback in terms of continued success, discussions around his return often involve critical viewpoints.

  • Age and Competition: Mayweather is returning to a sport with competitors significantly younger than him. Some reports note he will be nearly 49 years old at the time of his exhibition match.

  • Past Exhibitions: His recent exhibition matches against figures like Logan Paul and John Gotti III have faced criticism, with some observers feeling they lacked the competitive intensity of his earlier professional career.

  • Legal Matters: Mayweather is reportedly entangled in legal issues, including a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Showtime, which adds a layer of complexity to his current business dealings.

Conclusion and Future Implications

Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s decision to end his retirement and return to professional boxing is a significant development. His announcement, made in conjunction with an upcoming exhibition against Mike Tyson and a new promotional deal with CSI Sports/Fight Sports, signals a new phase for the legendary boxer. While Mayweather expresses confidence in his ability to continue setting records and generating revenue, questions persist regarding the competitive landscape and the nature of his return, particularly given his age and the history of his recent exhibition bouts. The summer of 2026 will be key, as his first official professional opponent will be revealed, providing further insight into the aims of this comeback.

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is Floyd Mayweather Jr. returning to professional boxing?
Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced he will return to professional boxing in Summer 2026. This comes after an exhibition match against Mike Tyson planned for Spring 2026.
Q: Who is Floyd Mayweather Jr. fighting in his exhibition match?
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is scheduled for an exhibition match against Mike Tyson in Spring 2026. The location is not yet confirmed, but it may be in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Q: What is Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s first professional fight after his comeback?
His first official professional fight back is planned for Summer 2026. The opponent for this fight has not been announced yet.
Q: What is Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s age when he returns to boxing?
Floyd Mayweather Jr. will be nearly 49 years old when he participates in the exhibition match against Mike Tyson in Spring 2026. He will be 49 when his first professional fight happens in Summer 2026.
Q: Who will promote Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s professional boxing comeback?
Floyd Mayweather Jr. has signed an exclusive agreement with CSI Sports/Fight Sports to promote his return to professional boxing.