Mike Tyson vs Floyd Mayweather rules emerge as boxing fight confirmed

Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather will face off in the boxing ring in 2026.

The two retired greats of the sport have announced a money-spinning exhibition bout. An exact date is yet to be announced, but reports suggest a Spring showdown next year.

It will mark 59-year-old Tyson's first return to the ring since his defeat to Jake Paul last year, while Mayweather, 48, has also boosted his bank balance with exhibition bouts, including against Logan Paul.

"This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen," Tyson said. "However, boxing has entered a new era of the unpredictable -- and this fight is as unpredictable as it gets. I still can't believe Floyd wants to really do this. It's going to be detrimental to his health, but he wants to do it, so it's signed and it's happening!"

Tyson, a world heavyweight champion and the first undisputed champion of the three-belt era, would be taking on Mayweather, who was a world champion at five different weight classes, but never heavyweight.

The details of the fight, which CSI Sports/Fight Sports are organising, are still being finalised amid reports by Fight Hype that it would consist of “eight two-minute rounds”.

"I've been doing this for 30 years and there hasn't been a single fighter that can tarnish my legacy," Mayweather declared.

"You already know that if I am going to do something, it's going to be big and it’s going to be legendary. I'm the best in the business of boxing. This exhibition will give the fans what they want."

Richard and Craig Miele of CSI Sports said: "Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather are two of the most compelling names and personalities with lasting legacies in all of sports. They are 21st century icons,” said Richard and Craig Miele. “Tyson vs. Mayweather will break every broadcast, streaming and economic record set by Mike Tyson in 2024.

"We are planning a robust promotional campaign complete with weekly premium storytelling and worldwide marketing reach. The event itself will be in a world-class venue and be presented to a global audience with new in-ring technology elements that will reshape how boxing is presented, and scoring is achieved for years to come.”