Floyd Mayweather Jr., a celebrated figure in the boxing world with an undefeated record of 50-0, has announced his intention to return to professional boxing. This decision follows a series of exhibition matches and a scheduled bout against Mike Tyson. The announcement marks a significant shift for the athlete, who has been retired from professional competition for nearly a decade.
Timeline of Events
The announcement of Mayweather's return emerged on Friday, February 20, 2026. This comes after months of discussions and confirmations regarding an exhibition match between Mayweather and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. Reports indicate this exhibition is planned for spring 2026, with some sources suggesting an April date.
Early 2026: Reports surface regarding a potential exhibition match between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Mike Tyson.
February 20, 2026: Floyd Mayweather Jr. officially announces his decision to come out of retirement and return to professional boxing.
Spring 2026 (Planned): Exhibition bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Mike Tyson. Some reports suggest April 25th in the Democratic Republic of Congo, though this is not officially confirmed.
Summer 2026 (Planned): Mayweather's first official professional boxing match since his retirement, under agreement with CSI Sports/Fight Sports.
Key Actors
Floyd Mayweather Jr.: Undefeated former world champion in five weight classes, now 48 years old. He is the central figure in this announcement.
Mike Tyson: Former heavyweight champion, aged 59, scheduled to face Mayweather in an exhibition match.
CSI Sports/Fight Sports: A promotional company with which Mayweather has signed an exclusive agreement for his professional return.
Evidence of Announcement
Multiple news outlets have reported on Mayweather's announcement, citing statements from the boxer himself and official releases.
Mayweather's Statement: In releases distributed on Friday, Mayweather stated, "I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing." He also expressed his intent to continue generating significant revenue through his events, stating, "no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event – than my events."
Promotional Agreement: Mayweather has signed an exclusive agreement with CSI Sports/Fight Sports to promote his upcoming professional fights. This agreement is set to begin after his exhibition bout with Mike Tyson.
Reported Exhibition Details: While dates and locations for the Tyson fight remain unconfirmed by official sources, some reports indicate April 25th in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Neither a date nor a broadcast network has been established for this event.
Mayweather's Legacy and Motivation
Floyd Mayweather Jr. retired from professional boxing with a perfect 50-0 record, cementing his status as one of the sport's all-time greats. His decision to return at 48 years old (turning 49 soon, according to some reports) has sparked discussion about his motivations.
The Appeal of Competition
Mayweather's statements suggest a continued belief in his athletic abilities and a desire to continue achieving at the highest level.
He explicitly stated, "I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing."
His return is to professional boxing, indicating a move beyond exhibition matches.
Financial Considerations
The financial aspect appears to be a significant driver, as indicated by Mayweather's comments on gate revenue and audience reach.
Mayweather believes his events will continue to be the most profitable in boxing.
This return occurs amidst a legal dispute Mayweather has with Showtime, adding a layer of financial complexity to his recent activities.
The Upcoming Exhibition Bout
The exhibition match against Mike Tyson serves as a precursor to Mayweather's professional return.
Both fighters are well past their prime fighting years, with a combined age of 107 years.
Details surrounding this exhibition, including the exact date, location, and broadcast, are still under wraps.
Expert Analysis
Boxing analysts are weighing in on the implications of Mayweather's return to the professional ranks.
"Mayweather's decision to return to professional boxing is a testament to his enduring confidence and his ability to remain a significant draw in the sport. However, he will be stepping back into a landscape with a new generation of fighters who are considerably younger and hungrier." - Unnamed Boxing Analyst (as reported by ESPN)
The consensus among many observers is that while Mayweather possesses exceptional skill, the physical demands of professional boxing at his age present a substantial challenge. His history of exhibition bouts suggests a strategic approach to maintaining his competitive presence while managing risk.
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Implications and Next Steps
Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s announcement creates anticipation for both his exhibition match and his subsequent professional fights. The immediate focus will be on the details of the Mike Tyson bout, including its official confirmation and broadcast. Following that, the identity of his first professional opponent and the broader scope of his agreement with CSI Sports/Fight Sports will become critical areas of interest.
Official Confirmation: Details of the Mike Tyson fight (date, location, network) are pending official confirmation.
New Opponent: The search for Mayweather's first professional opponent will commence shortly after the Tyson exhibition.
Promotional Strategy: The partnership with CSI Sports/Fight Sports will shape the narrative and reach of Mayweather's return.
Sources Used:
The New York Times (The Athletic): Published: Feb 20, 2026. Link:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7061329/2026/02/20/floyd-mayweather-jr-unretiring-mike-tyson/RFI: Published: Feb 21, 2026. Link:
https://www.rfi.fr/en/sports/20260221-floyd-mayweather-to-come-out-of-retirementCBS Sports: Published: Feb 20, 2026. Link:
https://www.cbssports.com/boxing/news/floyd-mayweather-retirement-boxing-return-mike-tyson-exhbition/Sky Sports: Published: Feb 20, 2026. Link:
https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/13510206/floyd-mayweather-coming-out-of-retirement-to-return-to-professional-boxing-after-exhibition-fight-with-mike-tyson-in-aprilBoxingscene: Published: Feb 20, 2026. Link:
https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/money-matters-floyd-mayweather-jnr-to-come-out-of-retirementESPN: Published: Feb 20, 2026. Link:
https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/47989767/mayweather-jr-unretire-resume-boxing-tyson-exhibitionBoxing News Online: Published: Feb 20, 2026. Link:
https://boxingnewsonline.net/news/mayweather-announces-he-is-un-retiring/AOL: Published: Feb 20, 2026. Link:
https://www.aol.com/articles/mayweather-back-floyd-mayweather-jr-231529763.html
