Floyd Mayweather Jr.

In a move few believed would ever truly happen, undefeated boxing icon Floyd Mayweather Jr. has formally announced that he is stepping out of retirement—again—and returning to the ranks of active professional fighters. The declaration comes on the heels of his scheduled exhibition bout with former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, a spectacle slated for this spring. According to multiple reports released between February 20 and 21, 2026, Mayweather’s comeback marks his first sanctioned professional involvement since August 2017, when he defeated former UFC superstar Conor McGregor to secure a pristine 50‑0 record.

Mayweather, who turns 49 this February, made the announcement through a statement provided to ESPN and echoed across major sports outlets. In his own words, he emphasized that his motivation is rooted not in nostalgia, but ambition: “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 — than my events.”

This fiery declaration signals a dramatic shift from what many assumed would be his permanent exit from professional fighting. Since 2017, Mayweather had restricted his activity to exhibition matches—often flashy, often criticized—including bouts with Logan Paul, Mikuru Asakura, Deji Olatunji, and a pair of headline‑generating encounters with John Gotti III. While they kept the Mayweather name circulating, fans and analysts widely noted that the exhibitions lacked the competitive intensity that defined his earlier career.

But the comeback isn't just nostalgic; it’s strategic. Mayweather has now signed an exclusive promotional agreement with CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS, the platform that will not only promote the Tyson exhibition but also manage his full-fledged return to sanctioned competition. Executives at CSI Sports praised the deal, saying that bringing Mayweather back to the pro stage underscores their commitment to delivering “the most high‑profile fighters in the sport” to global audiences.

What We Know About the Tyson Exhibition—and What Comes After

The exhibition match versus Mike Tyson is currently targeted for April 25, 2026, with possibilities pointing toward the Democratic Republic of the Congo—an homage to the legendary Rumble in the Jungle between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in 1974. While not yet fully confirmed, the event is already drawing enormous buzz. However, the Tyson fight is only the beginning: Mayweather’s true return begins in the summer, when he will re-enter the pro ring for the first time since 2017. An opponent, date, and venue are expected to be announced soon.

With nearly a decade having passed since his last official bout, one of the biggest questions surrounding his return is simple: How much does Mayweather have left? Though he is known for his impeccable defensive strategy, precision, and conditioning, time remains undefeated—even for fighters who once seemed untouchable. Yet supporters argue that few athletes have demonstrated Mayweather’s discipline, lifestyle control, and ring IQ.

Financial Battles and Legacy Stakes

Mayweather’s comeback also arrives in the middle of publicized financial disputes. Reports confirm he is pursuing a $340 million lawsuit against Showtime, alleging major losses incurred through mishandled dealings and fiduciary failures by former partners. The legal battle has amplified speculation about his motivations—though Mayweather maintains that the decision is legacy‑driven, not financially prompted.

Still, legacy itself is firmly on the table. His undefeated record—once considered untouchable—will now be jeopardized for the first time in nearly nine years. Rumors have already resurfaced about a possible professional rematch with Manny Pacquiao, who also recently returned to competition. Fans who lived through their historic 2015 matchup know: a second chapter would be seismic.

A New Era Begins

With a new promotional machine behind him, renewed global attention, and a list of potential rivals forming in the shadows, Floyd Mayweather Jr. is entering what may be the most unpredictable chapter of his storied career. Whether he emerges as a timeless champion or simply a legendary figure taking one last ride, the world will be watching.

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