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

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is coming back to professional boxing! This is his first pro return since 2017, after he fights Mike Tyson in an exhibition next year.
By Newsroom | Boxing, Sports |

Floyd Mayweather Jr., the undefeated boxing legend, has announced his intention to unretire from professional boxing. This significant shift follows a scheduled exhibition match against Mike Tyson. Mayweather's return marks his reentry into the sport after a period of retirement, positioning him to compete against a new generation of fighters. The announcement comes amidst broader developments in Mayweather's career, including a substantial legal dispute with Showtime.

Core Information

  • Floyd Mayweather Jr. is ending his retirement from professional boxing.

  • This return will commence after an exhibition fight with Mike Tyson.

  • Mayweather has signed a new promotional agreement with CSI Sports/Fight Sports.

  • He expressed a desire to "set more records" in the sport.

Background of Mayweather's Retirement and New Venture

Mayweather, who is nearing his 49th birthday, has been retired from professional boxing since his bout against Conor McGregor in 2017. His career record stands at an unblemished 50-0, with 27 knockouts, establishing him as one of the sport's most accomplished athletes. The announcement of his return is significant given the age gap between him and many current competitors.

  • Mayweather's professional record: 50 wins, 0 losses, 27 KOs.

  • He has competed across five weight classes.

  • His retirement followed his victory over Conor McGregor in 2017.

  • The new promotional deal is with CSI Sports/Fight Sports.

Details of the Upcoming Exhibition and Professional Return

The exhibition bout between Mayweather and Mike Tyson is reportedly slated for Spring 2026. While reports suggest a tentative date of April 25th and a potential location in the Democratic Republic of Congo, these details remain unconfirmed by official sources. Neither a specific date nor a broadcasting network has been definitively established for this exhibition.

Read More: Conor Benn leaves Matchroom Boxing for Zuffa Boxing after 10 years with Eddie Hearn

Following the Tyson exhibition, Mayweather's professional career will officially resume under his new agreement with CSI Sports/Fight Sports. His first sanctioned professional fight under this new deal is anticipated for Summer 2026.

Mayweather to unretire after Tyson exhibition - 1

  • Exhibition Opponent: Mike Tyson

  • Exhibition Timeline: Spring 2026

  • Tentative Exhibition Date: April 25th (unconfirmed)

  • Tentative Exhibition Location: Democratic Republic of Congo (unconfirmed)

  • Professional Return Timeline: Summer 2026

  • Promoter: CSI Sports/Fight Sports

Mayweather's Stated Motivations and Career Aspirations

In a statement provided to ESPN, Mayweather articulated his belief in his continued capacity to excel in the sport. He asserted, "I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing." Mayweather also indicated his ambition to remain a dominant force in terms of event revenue, stating, "no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event – then my events." This suggests a focus not only on competitive success but also on the financial and viewership impact of his upcoming fights.

Read More: Sky Sports Soccer Saturday Pundits Leave After Program Changes

  • Mayweather's goal: Set more boxing records.

  • Aspiration: Generate significant gate revenue and global viewership.

  • Confidence in future performance: He believes he "still has what it takes."

Emerging Competitors and Generational Shift

Mayweather's return places him back in a boxing landscape populated by fighters considerably younger than himself. This presents a different dynamic compared to the latter stages of his initial career. His new promotional partner, CSI Sports/Fight Sports, will be instrumental in navigating this new phase of his career and staging his return bouts.

  • The sport now features competitors nearly half his age.

  • His previous legal actions involved Showtime, indicating a shift in his promotional affiliations.

  • The agreement with CSI Sports/Fight Sports is described as exclusive.

Expert Perspectives and Industry Reactions

Sources indicate that Mayweather is widely regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in boxing history. His career achievements include holding world championships across multiple weight divisions. The confirmation of his return to professional boxing after the exhibition with Tyson, particularly under a new promotional banner, has generated significant attention within the boxing community.

  • Mayweather's standing: One of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters.

  • Championship history: 15-time world champion.

  • The upcoming exhibition is against 59-year-old Mike Tyson.

Analysis of Promotional Shifts and Legal Disputes

Mayweather's decision to sign with CSI Sports/Fight Sports comes after recent legal entanglements with Showtime. This past month, Mayweather initiated a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against the television network. The specifics of this legal action and its potential implications for his promotional future were subjects of prior discussion. His new exclusive agreement suggests a strategic pivot in how his career and future events will be managed and broadcasted.

Read More: Fury vs Joshua Boxing Match Still Possible, Promoters Say in April 2025

  • Legal Action: Mayweather filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Showtime.

  • New Promoter: CSI Sports/Fight Sports has signed an exclusive agreement.

  • The agreement covers the "next stage of his career."

Conclusion and Future Implications

Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s declaration to end his retirement and re-enter professional boxing, following an exhibition bout with Mike Tyson, signals a new chapter in his storied career. The move is underpinned by a new promotional partnership with CSI Sports/Fight Sports and a stated desire to continue setting records and maximizing event revenue. While the details of the Tyson exhibition remain fluid, Mayweather's return to sanctioned competition is slated for Summer 2026. The impact of this transition on the current boxing landscape, especially for younger competitors, and the success of his ventures with CSI Sports/Fight Sports will be closely observed.

  • Key Takeaway: Mayweather is returning to professional boxing after an exhibition.

  • Confirmed Partner: CSI Sports/Fight Sports.

  • Unconfirmed Details: Specific date and venue for Tyson exhibition.

  • Next Steps: Focus will be on the staging and promotion of both the exhibition and subsequent professional bouts.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight professionally again after his exhibition with Mike Tyson?
Yes, Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced he will return to professional boxing after his exhibition fight against Mike Tyson. His first professional fight under a new deal is expected in Summer 2026.
Q: When is Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s exhibition fight against Mike Tyson?
The exhibition fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Mike Tyson is planned for Spring 2026, with a possible date of April 25th. However, this date and location in the Democratic Republic of Congo are not yet confirmed.
Q: Who will promote Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s professional boxing return?
Floyd Mayweather Jr. has signed an exclusive promotional agreement with CSI Sports/Fight Sports for the next stage of his career, including his return to professional boxing.
Q: What is Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s professional boxing record?
Floyd Mayweather Jr. has an undefeated professional boxing record of 50 wins and 0 losses, with 27 wins by knockout. He retired after his fight with Conor McGregor in 2017.
Q: Why is Floyd Mayweather Jr. returning to professional boxing?
Mayweather stated he believes he still has what it takes to set more records in boxing. He also aims to generate significant revenue and global viewership with his upcoming events.