APPLETON, Wis. — In a surprising turn that has reignited discussions about the longevity of boxing legends, Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced this week that he plans to end his retirement and return to professional boxing following his upcoming exhibition match against Mike Tyson in spring 2026. The 48-year-old former undisputed champion, who last fought professionally in 2017, revealed the decision just days before his 49th birthday on February 24. Mayweather, known for his undefeated record and flair for high-stakes events, signed an exclusive promotional agreement with CSI Sports/Fight Sports to guide his comeback.
According to a statement provided to ESPN, Mayweather expressed confidence in his ability to continue dominating the sport. "I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing," he said. "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 my events. And I plan to keep doing it with my global media partner, CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS." This bold declaration underscores Mayweather's belief that his drawing power remains unmatched, even as he approaches an age when most fighters have long hung up their gloves.
Mayweather's professional career concluded on a high note in August 2017, when he knocked out mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor in the 10th round, improving his record to a perfect 50-0, with 27 victories by stoppage. That fight, which drew massive pay-per-view numbers and generated hundreds of millions in revenue, marked the end of an era for the Las Vegas native. Since then, Mayweather has stayed active in the ring through exhibition bouts, facing off against influencers and fighters like YouTuber Logan Paul in 2021, Japanese mixed martial artist Mikuru Asakura in 2022, and reality TV star John Gotti III in 2023. These non-competitive events have kept him in the spotlight and financially lucrative, but they did not count toward his official professional ledger.
The announcement of the Mayweather-Tyson exhibition came last September, with the bout slated for spring 2026. Reports have circulated that the fight could occur on April 25 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but ESPN was unable to confirm the exact date or location. No broadcasting network has been announced to air the event, leaving details hazy as preparations continue. The matchup pits two of boxing's most iconic figures against each other in what promises to be a nostalgic spectacle, given Tyson's own history of exhibition fights, including his 2020 bout against Roy Jones Jr.
Richard and Craig Miele, co-founders of CSI Sports/Fight Sports, welcomed Mayweather to their roster with enthusiasm. In a written statement, they said, "Signing Floyd Mayweather to un-retire after he captures another world-wide audience with his Mike Tyson match-up, highlights our commitment to providing our global audience with the most high-profile fighters in the sport." They added, "Floyd will once again continue to dominate boxing with the biggest audience and highest gross events of all time, and we are proud and privileged to be able to do with our global team at CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS. We look forward to even more announcements that will excite fans and continue to build the sport in 2026!" The Mieles' comments reflect the promotional outfit's strategy to leverage Mayweather's star power for global expansion.
Mayweather's return comes amid other legal and financial developments that have kept him in the headlines. Earlier this month, he filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Showtime Networks, alleging the cable network owes him at least $340 million from his reported $1.2 billion in career earnings. The suit claims breaches related to fight purse agreements, though details remain under wraps as the case progresses in court. Showtime has not publicly responded to the allegations, but the dispute highlights the complex financial web surrounding Mayweather's career, where massive payouts have often led to protracted negotiations and litigation.
At 48, Mayweather would re-enter a boxing landscape vastly different from the one he left seven years ago. The sport's elite ranks are now filled with younger talents in their 20s and 30s, including rising stars like Gervonta Davis, whom Mayweather has mentored, and international prospects pushing the boundaries of speed and power. Heavyweight divisions, in particular, have seen a resurgence with fighters like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua dominating headlines. Yet, Mayweather's return isn't entirely unprecedented; the recent unretirement of his longtime rival Manny Pacquiao at age 45 suggests that age may not be the barrier it once was.
Pacquiao, who lost to Mayweather in their 2015 megafight — billed as the "Fight of the Century" and generating over $400 million — announced his professional comeback last year, defeating Rukiya Anpo in an exhibition before signaling intentions for sanctioned bouts. Speculation has swirled about a potential rematch between the two, which could finally give fans the decisive professional clash that their first encounter, marred by controversy over Pacquiao's shoulder injury, failed to deliver. While neither fighter has confirmed talks, the possibility adds intrigue to Mayweather's plans, potentially setting up one of boxing's most anticipated revivals.
Boxing purists may question the viability of a Mayweather comeback at this stage, pointing to the physical toll of the sport and the evolution of training regimens. However, Mayweather has always defied conventional wisdom, maintaining a rigorous fitness routine and sharp defensive skills that earned him the nickname "Pretty Boy." His exhibitions have shown no signs of decline, with opponents often unable to land clean shots. Insiders close to the fighter, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggest that Mayweather views this return as a way to cement his legacy further, possibly aiming to extend his unbeaten streak beyond 50 wins.
The promotional deal with CSI Sports/Fight Sports marks a shift for Mayweather, who previously aligned with major players like Top Rank and his own Mayweather Promotions. CSI, a newer entrant in the boxing promotion space, focuses on international markets and digital distribution, which aligns with Mayweather's global ambitions. The company has teased additional announcements, hinting at a broader slate of events that could include undercard fights or crossover attractions to maximize viewership.
From a broader perspective, Mayweather's unretirement underscores the changing economics of combat sports. With streaming platforms and social media amplifying reach, older stars like Mayweather and Tyson can command audiences that younger fighters struggle to match. The Tyson exhibition alone is projected to draw millions of viewers worldwide, potentially rivaling the 1.6 million pay-per-view buys from Mayweather's McGregor fight. Analysts estimate that a full professional return could generate upwards of $100 million per event, bolstering Mayweather's already immense fortune, reportedly over $1 billion.
Critics, however, argue that such comebacks risk diluting the sport's competitive integrity. Exhibition bouts, while entertaining, often lack the stakes of professional fights, leading some to question whether Mayweather can truly compete against prime opposition. The Nevada State Athletic Commission, which oversees many high-profile bouts, has not commented on potential licensing for Mayweather's return, but precedents like Pacquiao's suggest regulatory bodies are open to veteran fighters under strict medical evaluations.
As details emerge about the Tyson exhibition and Mayweather's first professional bout post-retirement, the boxing world watches closely. Whether this leads to a Pacquiao rematch, new rivalries, or simply more record-breaking paydays, one thing is clear: Floyd Mayweather Jr. is not done making headlines. Fans and promoters alike anticipate a 2026 that could redefine late-career achievements in the squared circle.
In Appleton and beyond, where boxing enthusiasts gather at local gyms and sports bars, the news has sparked lively debates. "Mayweather's always been about the money and the show," said local trainer Mike Rivera, who follows the sport avidly. "But if anyone can pull this off at his age, it's him." As the sport evolves, Mayweather's journey continues to captivate, proving that in boxing, retirement is often just a temporary intermission.