By Sport Analyst
Emmanuel Afonja
Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson Set for Blockbuster 2026 Exhibition Showdown
Two of the biggest names in boxing history, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Mike Tyson, are officially set to face each other in a highly anticipated exhibition bout in 2026.
The announcement came on Thursday, September 4, when Tyson, 59, unveiled the news on his social media pages. He shared a dramatic promotional poster showing half of his face merged with Mayweather’s, boldly branded with the words: “Legend vs. Legend.” Tyson kept his caption simple, writing only: “Coming Soon.”
In a conversation with TMZ Sports, Tyson admitted even he was surprised the fight became a reality. “This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen,” he said. “I still can’t believe Floyd wants to really do this—it will be detrimental to his health.”
Mayweather, however, remains confident. Nearly a decade younger at 49, the undefeated former world champion brushed off concerns and welcomed the challenge. “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. “If I’m doing something, it’s going to be big and legendary. I’m the best in the boxing business, and this exhibition will give the fans what they want.”
Since the fight is categorized as an exhibition, it will not affect Mayweather’s pristine 50-0 professional record, regardless of the outcome.
For Tyson, this will mark another return to the ring after his loss to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in November 2024. That fight ended in a knockout defeat for Tyson, who had not competed professionally since 2005.
Mayweather, on the other hand, has also taken part in a string of exhibition matches since retiring in 2017 following his high-profile victory over UFC star Conor McGregor.
The prospect of a clash between these two icons—one celebrated for his brutal knockout power and the other for his unrivaled defensive genius—has already sent shockwaves through the sporting world. Fans and analysts are billing it as one of the most sensational exhibition bouts in modern boxing history.
