Floyd Mayweather Announces Return to Professional Boxing After Mike Tyson Exhibition
Legendary undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather, aged 48, has officially declared his intention to return to professional boxing following his upcoming exhibition bout with Mike Tyson, scheduled for this spring. This significant announcement marks a thrilling development for the sport, promising more record-breaking performances from the man nicknamed “Money.”
Mayweather, who retired from professional boxing in 2017 with a flawless record of 50 wins, has remained active in the exhibition circuit since hanging up his gloves. However, his latest statement indicates a serious foray back into the professional arena.
“I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing,” Mayweather stated, expressing his unwavering confidence. He further elaborated on his ambitious plans, asserting, “From my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards – no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event – then (sic) my events.”
A Summer Showdown on the Horizon
A first professional fight is tentatively slated for this summer, though an opponent is yet to be revealed. The boxing world eagerly awaits further details, which are expected to be disclosed in the coming weeks.
Mayweather, once the world’s highest-paid athlete with an estimated US$300 million in earnings in 2015 according to Forbes, dominated the welterweight division for over a decade. His reign was characterised by exceptional skill, unparalleled fitness, and a formidable work ethic, earning him widespread acclaim as boxing’s pound-for-pound king.
A Career Defined by Success and Controversy
Despite his unparalleled success in the ring, Mayweather’s career has not been without its controversies. He faced criticism for an often defensive fighting style, with some accusing him of strategically avoiding the most dangerous contenders to protect his immaculate record. His personal life has also been a subject of public scrutiny, including past legal issues related to domestic violence.
Nevertheless, his supreme athleticism, dedication to training, and astute ring generalship earned him the respect of his peers and cemented his legacy as one of boxing’s all-time greats.
Mayweather’s last official professional bout was a highly publicised event in 2017 against UFC star Conor McGregor. Since then, he has participated in several exhibition matches, including a victory over John Gotti III in Mexico in August 2024, as well as encounters with reality television personalities and popular YouTube fighters.
New Deal and the Tyson Showdown
To facilitate his return to professional boxing, Mayweather has reportedly signed an exclusive agreement with promoter CSI Sports/Fight Sports, which will commence after his exhibition match against Mike Tyson.
Recent reports from boxing publication Ring Magazine suggest that the exhibition fight with Tyson is slated for April 25th in the Congo. However, official confirmation regarding both the date and the venue is still pending.
Mike Tyson, affectionately known as “Iron Mike,” who is 59 years old, last competed in November 2024. He faced YouTuber-turned-professional boxer Jake Paul in a bout that concluded with a lopsided loss for Tyson. This event, broadcast by Netflix, drew a live audience of approximately 70,000 spectators and an estimated millions more viewers worldwide. The anticipation for Mayweather’s return to the professional ranks, building on the excitement generated by his exhibition bouts, is palpable throughout the global boxing community.
