Mike Tyson Reminds Fans About Floyd Mayweather ‘Money Fight’ Amidst Dying Hype

Heavyweight legend Mike Tyson confirms Floyd Mayweather bout is still on after doubts due to limited marketing and exposure.

Mike Tyson Reminds Fans About Floyd Mayweather ‘Money Fight’ Amidst Dying Hype

Mike Tyson reveals Floyd Mayweather bout is still on cards (via X, Boxing Scene)

In Short
  • Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather are scheduled to face off in an exhibition bout in March 2026 in Africa.
  • Tyson humorously reassured fans that the fight is still happening despite limited promotional activity.
  • The bout presents significant financial potential, leveraging Mayweather's history of high pay-per-view earnings.

The enduring star power of Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather is rooted in their historic achievements: Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion, and Mayweather retired undefeated with titles across five weight classes. Despite their stature, there has been little publicity for their exhibition bout in Africa, casting doubt on its credibility. Tyson recently addressed those doubts in a humorous manner.

After retiring from professional boxing in 2005, Tyson returned to the ring in 2020 for an exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr, marking his first appearance in 15 years. The event was staged under modified exhibition rules and went the scheduled distance. Tyson later competed again in 2024, facing Jake Paul in a sanctioned contest. He was defeated by unanimous decision after completing all scheduled rounds.

Now, Tyson is scheduled to face Mayweather in March 2026, with the exhibition officially targeted for Africa. Specific venue, ticketing, and broadcast details have not yet been disclosed, and promotional activity has remained limited beyond the initial announcement and location reveal. Tyson recently indicated in a lighthearted interview that the bout is still moving forward, reinforcing that plans remain in place.

Yeah, it’s happening. S**t, yeah, it’s happening! You think I’d give that up?! I was minding my business! He challenged me. We gon’ party afterwards, baby! We’ll have a ball afterwards!

Mike Tyson via TMZ Sports

A fight against Mayweather presents major financial upside, a point Tyson referenced when discussing the event’s value. Mayweather generated some of the highest pay-per-view numbers in boxing history, including record-setting events against Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor, contributing to career earnings over $1 billion. Those figures illustrate why an exhibition of this scale carries a strong incentive.

Mayweather last competed in 2024 in an exhibition bout against John Gotti III. The 47-year-old controlled much of the action, dictated the tempo across the scheduled rounds, and showcased his defensive precision throughout the contest, even dismissing the referee mid-fight. The matchup served as a rematch of their 2023 exhibition, which ended in a disqualification and a large-scale brawl.

Tyson will turn 60 in June, yet he continues to train and appears in strong physical condition for his age, impressing observers with his stamina and agility. Floyd Mayweather, nearly 11 years younger, remains active and well-conditioned with exhibition experience. For Mike Tyson, the bout represents a major payday late in his career, but he will also need to focus carefully on his health and recovery.

How is Mike Tyson saving American Boxing from fading away?

Mike Tyson has had a transformative impact on boxing and American sports culture, rising from a difficult childhood to become the youngest heavyweight champion in history. His aggressive style and knockout power brought unprecedented attention to the sport during the 1980s and 1990s. Beyond his professional career, Tyson’s global fame has influenced entertainment and youth interest in boxing.

Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson (via Boxing Social)

Tyson’s recent plans center on launching the Mike Tyson Invitational, a new amateur boxing showcase set for March 12–14 in Las Vegas. The event is structured as a three‑day invitational bringing together top amateur competitors and Olympic hopefuls nationwide. Organisers intend to include open workouts, coaching sessions, and a live fight card to increase exposure for rising talent.

Listen, boxing is dying, and that is what’s driving me. If I can be involved in any way in the uplifting and development of boxing, I’ll be happy with that. I was watching some of the amateur fights and I was wondering, ‘We don’t have enough boxing clubs’. Before, when I was fighting, we could fight at the Ohio state fair. Then I’d go to Colorado the next two weeks and fight in the national tournament. That’s what we need to be able to compete with the other countries. We need more competition.

Mike Tyson via AP News

The heavyweight legend has expressed openness to collaborating with UFC CEO Dana White to create opportunities for American fighters. White has a multi‑year agreement with Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, Sela, under TKO Group Holdings. Tyson’s strong relationship with White could help support his mission of developing amateur boxing and giving exposure to American talent.

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