Fans Demand ‘Huge Reset’ for Boxing as Mike Tyson vs Floyd Mayweather Fight Announcement Stuns Internet

Boxing legends Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson have accepted to fight each other next year in an exhibition bout.

Fans Demand ‘Huge Reset’ for Boxing as Mike Tyson vs Floyd Mayweather Fight Announcement Stuns Internet

Floyd Mayweather vs. Mike Tyson in 2026 (via Imago)

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In recent years, retired legendary fighters have frequently been seen participating in boxing bouts, drawing attention from fans. Undefeated boxing legend Floyd Mayweather is one of the most renowned names to have earned millions through various boxing exhibitions. While Mayweather had mostly fought YouTubers and influencers, he has now shifted his focus towards heavyweight icon Mike Tyson.

According to the reports, Tyson and Mayweather have officially signed contracts confirming an exhibition fight slated for spring 2026. The exhibition bout is being organized by CSI Sports and Fight Sports, though the exact date and venue remain unconfirmed. In an interview, Tyson revealed his initial reaction to the offer and why he was surprised. 

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.

Mike Tyson via News release 

Tyson’s last fight was against Jake Paul in November 2024, and the YouTuber-turned-boxer defeated him via unanimous decision. Many viewers accused the fight of being scripted due to minimal action, though promoters strongly denied any claims regarding rigging. Tyson returned to boxing after four years, and the Netflix-streamed bout drew approximately sixty million households worldwide, breaking records.

For the fight, Tyson earned around $20 million while Paul reportedly doubled that figure, securing approximately $40 million. It was a huge success, which could have promoted ‘Iron Mike’ to go forward and accept the Mayweather fight. Promoters Richard and Craig Miele promise the bout will use new in-ring technologies to reshape how boxing is presented. 

Promoters have revealed that they will announce further details such as weight class, rounds, site, and broadcast partners soon. The fight heightens excitement by pitting two legendary boxers whose styles and weight divisions have always kept them apart. Media outlets worldwide have expressed surprise, calling this perhaps the most unexpected and compelling match in boxing history. 

Mayweather retired undefeated in 2017 after beating Conor McGregor, and he has since taken part in several exhibitions. Mayweather’s last bout was John Gotti last year, which was a non-scored bout; nevertheless, the veteran is hyped about Tyson. 

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.

Floyd Mayweather via News release

This is an exhibition match, meaning it will not affect either fighter’s official professional record or statistics. While many see this fight as a spectacle, it nonetheless symbolizes boxing’s evolving era where unconventional matchups draw massive interest. 

Fight fans react to the Mike Tyson vs. Floyd Mayweather fight announcement 

Both fighters came out of retirement for this exhibition, emphasizing entertainment value and global reach over genuine competitive stakes. Their feud reportedly began after a near-violent backstage confrontation at a 2014 WBC event involving mutual disrespectful remarks.

Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather in their primes
Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather in their primes (via X)

Around that time, Mayweather publicly declared he was better than Muhammad Ali, claiming nobody in boxing history matched his accomplishments. Tyson, a lifelong Ali fan, angrily responded, “I’m not going to say that Floyd’s delusional, but he’s very stupid.” Since then, both fighters have occasionally mocked each other online, trading sarcastic comments and playful challenges that fueled speculation. 

This long-running tension, revived by huge financial incentives, now delivers a surreal cross-era exhibition featuring boxing’s biggest names finally colliding. Nevertheless, here are some reactions following that Tyson vs. Mayweather fight announcement.

As expected, many fans were shocked after learning about the fight announcement and criticized the current state of boxing. Others shared concerns for Tyson for even agreeing to the fight. Many shared their prediction for the bout and mentioned that it could also be rigged.

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