Boxing Legend Mayweather to Face Kickboxing Star Zambidis in June Exhibition

Bout comes 3 months before Mayweather's highly anticipated rematch with Pacquiao

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Boxing icon Floyd Mayweather Jr. is set to take on Greek kickboxing legend Mike Zambidis in an exhibition match in June, just a few months before his highly anticipated rematch with Manny Pacquiao in September. The June bout will serve as a warm-up for Mayweather ahead of the Pacquiao fight, which is expected to be another major pay-per-view event.

Why it matters

Mayweather has been semi-retired since his 2017 fight with Conor McGregor, but has continued to take part in high-profile exhibition matches. This upcoming bout with Zambidis will generate significant interest, especially as a precursor to the Pacquiao rematch, which is one of the biggest potential matchups in boxing.

The details

Zambidis, 45, is an 18-time world champion kickboxer who retired in 2015 with a 157-24 record. Mayweather, 48, will be taking on the kickboxing legend in an exhibition match in June at the Telekom Center in Athens, Greece. The fight will serve as a warm-up for Mayweather's September 19 rematch with Manny Pacquiao, which is expected to be another massive pay-per-view event.

  • The Mayweather vs. Zambidis exhibition will take place in June 2026 at the Telekom Center in Athens, Greece.
  • Mayweather's rematch with Manny Pacquiao is scheduled for September 19, 2026 in Las Vegas.

The players

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

A 48-year-old former professional boxer and one of the greatest fighters of his era, with a 50-0 career record. Mayweather has been semi-retired since his 2017 fight with Conor McGregor but has continued to take part in high-profile exhibition matches.

Mike Zambidis

A 45-year-old Greek kickboxing legend who retired in 2015 with a 157-24 professional record and 18 world titles.

Manny Pacquiao

A former professional boxer and one of the greatest fighters of his generation, who is set to have a highly anticipated rematch with Mayweather in September 2026.

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What they’re saying

“2026 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for me. Europe, I'm on the way to entertain!! Athens, Greece, get ready. This summer will be a legendary battle. June is the month where history will be made at the Telekom Center. Different energy. Different level.”

— Floyd Mayweather Jr. (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The Mayweather vs. Zambidis exhibition match in June will serve as a warm-up for Mayweather's highly anticipated rematch with Manny Pacquiao on September 19, 2026 in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

Mayweather's decision to take on another exhibition fight, this time against legendary kickboxer Mike Zambidis, demonstrates his continued interest in high-profile events even in the twilight of his career. The bout will generate significant buzz as a precursor to the Pacquiao rematch, one of the biggest potential matchups in boxing.