Unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Announces Pro Boxing Return After 9-Year Retirement

The 49-year-old former champion says he will fight again this summer after a series of lucrative exhibition bouts.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Floyd Mayweather, the undefeated former five-division world champion, has announced that he is ending his nine-year retirement from professional boxing and will return to the ring this summer under a new promotional deal. Mayweather, who turns 49 on Tuesday, hasn't competed in a real boxing match since 2017 when he defeated Conor McGregor, but has continued to participate in various exhibition bouts in recent years.

Why it matters

Mayweather's return to professional boxing will generate significant interest and attention in the sport, as he was one of the biggest stars and draws during his prime. His comeback also comes a year after his longtime rival Manny Pacquiao resumed his own boxing career, setting up the potential for another high-profile matchup between the two legends.

The details

Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs) says he will compete in a professional fight after an upcoming exhibition bout against 59-year-old Mike Tyson this spring. He has also participated in other recent exhibition matches against the likes of Logan Paul, Mikuru Asakura, and John Gotti III. Mayweather's return to the ring will be under a promotional deal with CSI Sports/Fight Sports, though details on his next opponent or the location of the fight have not been announced.

  • Mayweather turns 49 years old on Tuesday, February 21, 2026.
  • Mayweather's last professional boxing match was in 2017 when he defeated Conor McGregor.
  • Mayweather has an upcoming exhibition bout against Mike Tyson scheduled for this spring.

The players

Floyd Mayweather

An undefeated former five-division world champion boxer who is considered one of the greatest fighters of his era. Mayweather is returning to professional boxing after a nine-year retirement.

Manny Pacquiao

A longtime rival of Mayweather's who also recently returned to boxing at the age of 47, setting up the potential for another high-profile matchup between the two legends.

Conor McGregor

The mixed martial artist who Mayweather defeated in his last professional boxing match in 2017.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Floyd Mayweather (Patch.com)

What’s next

Mayweather has an upcoming exhibition bout scheduled against 59-year-old Mike Tyson this spring, though details on the location and television partner have not been confirmed. After that exhibition, Mayweather plans to return to professional boxing competition later this year under a new promotional deal.

The takeaway

Mayweather's return to professional boxing at the age of 49 will be a major event in the sport, as he was one of the biggest draws and most dominant champions of his era. His comeback also comes a year after his longtime rival Manny Pacquiao resumed his own career, setting up the potential for another high-profile matchup between the two legends.