Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather have agreed to schedule an exhibition fight for 2026.
The announcement came Thursday night, September 4, when Tyson, 59, revealed the news on his social media accounts.
He posted a promotional poster featuring half of each fighter’s face alongside the caption: “Coming Soon.”
Tyson himself admitted he was surprised that Mayweather agreed to the showdown.
Speaking to TMZ Sports, he said, “This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen. I still can’t believe Floyd wants to really do this. It will be detrimental to his health.”
Mayweather, however, dismissed concerns about the risks, insisting that he remains confident in his ability to entertain and dominate.
“I’ve been doing this for 30 years and there hasn’t been a single fighter that can tarnish my legacy,” he told TMZ Sports.
“You already know that if I am going to do something, it’s going to be big and it’s going to be legendary. I’m the best in the business of boxing. This exhibition will give the fans what they want.”
The boxing legends come from two very different eras and fighting styles, making the pairing both intriguing and unpredictable.
Tyson, a former heavyweight champion and one of the most feared punchers in boxing history, has been retired since 2005 but occasionally returns for exhibition bouts.
His most recent fight was in November 2024 against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, where he lost by knockout.
Mayweather, nearly a decade younger at 48, retired undefeated with a 50-0 record.
His last professional fight was in 2017, when he defeated UFC star Conor McGregor in one of the most lucrative fights of all time.
Because the upcoming clash with Tyson is billed as an exhibition, Mayweather’s perfect record will not be at risk.
The boxing world has exploded with reactions, with many calling it the biggest crossover fight in years.
Sports analysts have also noted that while Tyson’s power remains dangerous, Mayweather’s trademark defense and speed could make the match more competitive than critics expect.
