Legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather, unbeaten in 50 professional bouts, has confirmed he is coming out of retirement. The 48-year-old revealed Friday that he will return to professional boxing following an exhibition match with Mike Tyson this spring.
Mayweather, a former multi-weight world champion, retired in 2017 but has stayed active through exhibitions. “I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing,” he said in a statement to AFP. “From my upcoming Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards, no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global audience, or make more money per event than me.”
His first professional fight back is tentatively scheduled for summer 2026, with the opponent yet to be announced. More details are expected in the coming weeks.
Nicknamed “Money,” Mayweather was once the world’s highest-paid athlete, earning $300 million in 2015, according to Forbes. At his peak, he dominated the welterweight division and was widely regarded as boxing’s pound-for-pound king.
Despite his legendary record, Mayweather has faced controversy, including criticism for a defensive style and accusations of avoiding risky opponents. Legal issues, including time in prison for domestic violence, have also marked his career. Still, his athleticism, discipline, and boxing intelligence earned him worldwide respect.
Mayweather’s last professional bout was against Conor McGregor in 2017. He has since fought in exhibitions, including a win over John Gotti III in 2024, and matches against reality TV stars and YouTube fighters.
He has signed an exclusive deal with CSI Sports/Fight Sports for his post-Tyson professional career. Reports suggest his exhibition fight with Tyson will take place on April 25, 2026, in the Congo, though this is not yet officially confirmed. Tyson, 59, last appeared in the ring in November 2024 against Jake Paul, a widely viewed event with millions tuning in globally.
