Floyd Mayweather Announces Professional Boxing Comeback After Years of Exhibitions
Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. has officially declared his return to professional boxing, ending his retirement that began in 2017. The former five-weight world champion made the announcement just days before his 49th birthday, signaling a formal shift from exhibition matches back to sanctioned professional bouts.
Exclusive Promotional Deal with CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS
Mayweather has signed an exclusive promotional agreement with CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS to guide the next phase of his illustrious career. This strategic partnership comes as Mayweather prepares for both his scheduled exhibition against Mike Tyson in spring 2026 and his subsequent return to professional competition later this year.
The undefeated champion, who maintains his perfect 50-0 record with 27 knockouts, expressed his confidence in continuing to break records in the sport. In a written statement to ESPN, Mayweather declared: "I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing. From my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards, no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event, then my events. And I plan to keep doing it with my global media partner, CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS."
Mike Tyson Exhibition Serves as Bridge to Professional Return
The highly anticipated exhibition between Mayweather and Mike Tyson remains firmly scheduled for spring 2026 and will serve as the transitional event leading to Mayweather's full return to professional boxing. While ESPN has not confirmed specific details, reports indicate the legendary clash is tentatively planned for April 25, 2026, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This proposed venue carries significant historical weight, as the country previously hosted the iconic 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle" between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Kinshasa. Early details suggest the exhibition will feature:
- Eight rounds of boxing
- Two-minute rounds
- Heavier gloves than standard professional bouts
At the time of the fight, Tyson will be 59 years old, having last competed in a high-profile exhibition in 2024. Mayweather, currently 48, will be preparing for both this special event and his separate professional comeback later in the year.
Promoters Express Confidence in Mayweather's Return
CSI Sports co-founders Richard and Craig Miele addressed their partnership with Mayweather in a written statement: "Signing Floyd Mayweather to un-retire after he captures another world-wide audience with his Mike Tyson match-up, highlights our commitment to providing our global audience with the most high-profile fighters in the sport."
Mayweather originally retired in August 2017 after stopping Conor McGregor to achieve his perfect 50-0 record. His comeback follows years of exhibition appearances around the world and arrives amid renewed excitement surrounding the Tyson matchup. Promoters are expected to release further details about both events in the coming weeks as they finalize logistics, including broadcast partnerships and additional fight specifics.
The boxing world now eagerly awaits the return of one of the sport's most dominant champions, whose combination of technical mastery and business acumen has consistently drawn massive global audiences throughout his career.
