Floyd Mayweather Jr. Unretiring from Professional Boxing

Boxing legend to return to the ring after exhibition match with Mike Tyson

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Floyd Mayweather Jr., the legendary boxer, has announced that he is coming out of retirement and returning to professional boxing. This decision comes after his upcoming exhibition bout with Mike Tyson on April 25 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mayweather, who retired in 2017 after defeating Conor McGregor, stated that he still has what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing.

Why it matters

Mayweather's return to professional boxing is a significant event in the sport, as he is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. His fights have consistently generated massive global audiences and revenue, and his comeback is expected to be no different. This announcement also reignites speculation about a potential rematch between Mayweather and his longtime rival, Manny Pacquiao.

The details

Mayweather, who turns 49 on February 24, has signed with CSI Sports/Fight Sports as his promoter. The co-founders of the company stated that Mayweather will once again continue to dominate boxing with the biggest audience and highest gross events of all time. Since his retirement in 2017, Mayweather has fought several exhibitions, including a decision win over Logan Paul in June 2021 and a no-decision against John Gotti III in August 2024.

  • Mayweather's exhibition match with Mike Tyson is scheduled for April 25, 2026 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • Mayweather's last professional fight was in 2017, when he defeated Conor McGregor by TKO.
  • Mayweather's most recent exhibition fight was against John Gotti III in August 2024, which ended in a no-decision.

The players

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

A legendary boxer and five-division world champion who retired from professional boxing in 2017 after defeating Conor McGregor, but has since fought in several exhibitions.

Mike Tyson

A former heavyweight boxing champion who will face Mayweather in an exhibition match on April 25, 2026 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Manny Pacquiao

A boxing rival of Mayweather's who came out of retirement in 2024 to fight WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, which ended in a draw.

Conor McGregor

A UFC star who Mayweather defeated by TKO in 2017, which was Mayweather's last professional fight before retiring.

Richard and Craig Miele

The co-founders of CSI Sports/Fight Sports, who will serve as Mayweather's promoter for his upcoming events.

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What’s next

Mayweather's exhibition match with Mike Tyson on April 25, 2026 in the Democratic Republic of Congo will be a major lead-up to his announced return to professional boxing.

The takeaway

Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s decision to unretire from professional boxing after his exhibition match with Mike Tyson is a significant event in the sport, as he remains one of the biggest draws and most dominant figures in boxing. His return is expected to generate massive global interest and revenue, further cementing his legacy as an all-time great.