Floyd Mayweather plans to end boxing retirement, return to pro fights after Mike Tyson exhibition
CBS Sports
by
Shakiel Mahjouri
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Floyd Mayweather is making a triumphant return to professional boxing after a nine-year hiatus, ending his retirement following an exhibition fight with Mike Tyson. In a recent announcement, Mayweather revealed plans to box professionally once again, signing an exclusive deal with CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS for both the upcoming exhibition and future bouts. Known for his flawless 50-0 record, Mayweather expressed confidence in his ability to set new records and surpass previous achievements. He emphasized the potential of his events to attract massive audiences and generate significant revenue.
The exhibition fight against Tyson, originally scheduled for April 25 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has yet to be officially confirmed by CSI Sports regarding date, location, or ruleset. Both fighters have combined boxing experience spanning over a century, with Mayweather last competing in an exhibition bout weighing 160.7 pounds and Tyson at 228.4 pounds. This marks Tyson's return to the ring after a professional fight against Jake Paul in 2022, which was widely criticized but commercially successful.
Mayweather's decision to re-enter the boxing world comes after eight exhibition fights since his retirement in 2017, including notable matches against Tenshin Nasukawa and Logan Paul. His last professional victory was against Conor McGregor in 2017, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport's greatest boxers. Meanwhile, Tyson has focused on exhibitions, such as his bouts with Corey Sanders and Roy Jones Jr., before facing Paul in a lackluster performance but lucrative event.
This highly anticipated return is significant for several reasons. It revives Mayweather's professional career, potentially reignitingboxing's popularity and drawing global attention. The pairing of two iconic fighters, despite their advanced ages, promises to generate substantial media coverage and financial success. Whether this collaboration will live up to the hype remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly represents a major moment in boxing history.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/20/2026