Sport

Mike Tyson signs deal to fight Floyd Mayweather

Boxing fans are in for one of the most unexpected matchups in history as Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather have officially signed a deal to face each other in the ring.

The fight, organised by CSI Sports/Fight Sports, is scheduled for the spring of 2026. While the exact date and venue are yet to be announced, the bout will be an exhibition, meaning Mayweather’s pristine 50-0 professional record won’t be on the line.

Tyson, 59 at the time of the fight, expressed his shock and excitement over the agreement.

“This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen. However, boxing has entered a new era of the unpredictable and this fight is as unpredictable as it gets. I still can’t believe Floyd wants to really do this. It’s going to be detrimental to his health, but he wants to do it, so it’s signed and it’s happening!” he said.

Mayweather, 49, seemed unfazed by the challenge, emphasising his legacy.

“I’ve been doing this for 30 years and there hasn’t been a single fighter that can tarnish my legacy. 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,” he said.

The announcement comes after Tyson’s high-profile return to the ring in November 2024, when he fought Jake Paul in a bout that attracted 108 million viewers worldwide.

Mayweather, meanwhile, has kept busy with exhibition fights since his professional retirement in 2017, when he defeated Conor McGregor in one of the biggest pay-per-view events in history.