Floyd Mayweather Jr., boxing legend and world champion in five divisions, announced this Friday that he will return to professional fights. The American, who retired in 2017 with a perfect 50-0 record, will return to the ring after his upcoming exhibition match against Mike Tyson, scheduled for this spring. At almost 49 years old—his birthday is February 24—'Money' maintains that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. In a statement released by ESPN, Mayweather was emphatic about his plans and the commercial impact he claims he will continue to have on the sport. "I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing," he stated. "From my next event with Mike Tyson to my next professional fight after that — no one will generate a bigger gate, a larger global streaming audience, or produce more money per event than my events. And I plan to continue doing so with my global media partner, CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS." The former champion has not fought professionally since August 2017, when he knocked out former UFC champion Conor McGregor. That victory capped his career with 50 wins, 27 of them by knockout, in addition to 15 major world championships won in five weight classes.

Exhibition with Tyson and a new media boost

Since his retirement, Mayweather has participated in several exhibition matches against rivals such as Logan Paul, Mikuru Asakura, and John Gotti III, the latter held in June 2023. Now, the focus is on his rematch with Mike Tyson, a former heavyweight champion and one of the most feared figures in boxing history.

CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS had already announced last September that Mayweather and the 59-year-old former champion would face off in the spring of 2026. However, the date and venue have not yet been officially confirmed. Reports have circulated placing the fight on April 25 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but ESPN noted that this information has not been confirmed and the network that will broadcast the event has not yet been determined. CSI Sports/Fight Sports co-founders Richard and Craig Miele celebrated the former champion's return.“Signing Floyd Mayweather out of retirement after he once again captivates a global audience with his showdown against Mike Tyson underscores our commitment to bringing our global audience the highest-profile fighters in the sport,” they said in a statement. They added, "Floyd will once again dominate boxing with the biggest audiences and highest-grossing events of all time, and we are proud and privileged to be able to do so alongside our global team at CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS. We look forward to making more announcements that will excite fans and continue to propel the sport forward in 2026!" Mayweather's return would take place in a different landscape than the one he left almost a decade ago, with a new generation of active boxers. Even so, his undefeated record and ability to generate income keep him as one of the most influential figures in the business.