Mayweather to unretire, resume boxing after Tyson exhibition - ESPN

ESPN

by Andreas Hale

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Floyd Mayweather Jr., the boxing legend who retired in 2017 with an undefeated record of 50-0, has announced his return to the ring. He plans to unretire after his highly anticipated exhibition match against Mike Tyson in spring 2026. This marks a significant comeback for Mayweather, who has since competed in several high-profile exhibitions, including fights against Logan Paul and Conor McGregor. In a recent statement, Mayweather expressed confidence in his ability to continue breaking records and generating massive audiences and revenue in the sport. Mayweather has signed an exclusive agreement with CSI Sports/Fight Sports as his new promoter. This partnership aligns with his goal to maintain dominance in boxing, as he aims to set new standards for gate attendance and global broadcast reach. The exhibition against Tyson, which is rumored to take place on April 25, 2026, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has already sparked massive interest worldwide. While details about the event's exact date and network coverage remain unconfirmed, Mayweather's return is expected to reignite his legacy as one of boxing's most bankable stars. Mayweather's decision comes amid a legal battle with Showtime over unpaid earnings from his career purses. His lawsuit claims he is owed at least $340 million from the estimated $1.2 billion he earned in fight purses throughout his career. Despite these financial disputes, Mayweather remains focused on reigniting his boxing career, which has evolved significantly since his retirement. He will face a new generation of boxers who are nearly half his age, but his return coincides with Manny Pacquiao's recent comeback, hinting at potential future rematches between the two legendary fighters. Mayweather's unretirement highlights the growing emphasis on high-profile exhibitions in boxing. His collaboration with CSI Sports/Fight Sports underscores their commitment to delivering top-tier events that capture global attention. As Mayweather prepares for his Tyson exhibition and subsequent professional fights, fans can expect more record-breaking performances and a renewed era of dominance in the sport. This news matters to sports enthusiasts, particularly boxing fans, as it signals a thrilling new chapter in Mayweather's career. His return not only reignites a rivalry with Tyson but also sets the stage for potential matchups with other top fighters like Pacquiao. With his new promoter deal and legal battles taking center stage, Mayweather's journey offers insight into the financial and competitive aspects of professional boxing.

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/20/2026