2025-12-08 12:21:20
Mike Tyson has said his exhibition fight with Floyd Mayweather is slated for March 2026.
The former undisputed heavyweight champion, 59, revealed the bout will take place in Africa and is expected to be one of the most lucrative events in boxing history.
The pair first announced plans for an exhibition in September, but with little movement since – and Mayweather, 48, also linked to a Manny Pacquiao, 46, rematch – many assumed talks had collapsed, but Tyson has now confirmed the fight is indeed going ahead.
Speaking in Ireland, he said: “It’s going to be in March and it’s going to be in Africa. It’s going to be incredible, it’s going to break all the records and it’s going to be one of the biggest events in the history of the sport.”
The exact date and venue have not yet been named, though both camps are understood to be working towards an early-spring schedule.
The bout will be an unofficial contest due to the huge weight discrepancy between the fighters.
Tyson weighed 228.5lbs for his 2024 meeting with Jake Paul, 28, while Mayweather was 149.5lbs in his final professional outing against Conor McGregor, 37, in 2017.
Iron Mike’s defeat to The Problem Child raised concerns about his conditioning, with the heavyweight icon admitting he “nearly died” during preparations.
But the payday for the Mayweather fight – expected to exceed eight figures – has seemingly been a major motivation for Tyson to step back into the ring.
Mayweather himself has continued to pursue lucrative exhibitions worldwide, facing influencers and reality-TV personalities since retiring with a perfect 50-0 record.
Despite the financial focus, both fighters are conscious of the physical risks.
Tyson will be close to 60 when the bell rings, while Mayweather, though 11 years younger, is long removed from his peak.
The fight has also drawn reaction from across combat sports, including McGregor, who recently spent time with Tyson during the former heavyweight champion’s Dublin visit.
The UFC star believes Tyson looks sharper than he did seven years ago.
Speaking with Bloody Elbow, The Notorious said: “I’m excited for it. Because you know what? Mike looks amazing. It’s been seven years since he was last here, he was here in 2018 and I met him back then.
“That was seven years ago and he looks even seven years younger than then, you get me? It’s Mike Tyson, man. I’ll tell you what, he won’t lose. I hope it goes ahead, he seems confident it’s going ahead, he’s well up for it.”
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