Honestly, the boxing world is a weird place right now. Just when you think Floyd "Money" Mayweather is content counting his millions and doing low-stakes exhibitions in Dubai or Japan, he goes and signs something that feels like a glitch in the Matrix. If you’ve been looking for the Mayweather fight next fight, buckle up.
It’s actually happening. In a move that literally no one saw coming—and many doctors probably wish hadn't—Floyd Mayweather Jr. is set to face Mike Tyson.
Yeah. That Mike Tyson.
💡 You might also like: North Dakota State Head Coach: Why Tim Polasek Was the Missing Piece for the Bison
The rumors started swirling late last year, but we've now got actual confirmation from the camps and promoters like CSI Sports. This isn't just a sparring session in a gym; this is a full-blown global spectacle tentatively scheduled for March 2026. The location? Africa. Tyson himself spilled the beans during a live appearance, and while the exact city is still a bit of a moving target, the continent is ready to host what might be the highest-grossing "exhibition" in the history of the sport.
The Mayweather Fight Next Fight: Breaking Down the Tyson Matchup
Why is this happening? Basically, because money talks.
But it’s also about legacy. Mayweather is 48. Tyson is 59. Between them, they have 107 years of life experience and a combined resume that basically is the history of modern boxing. You've got the most impenetrable defensive wizard in history against a man who, even at nearly 60, still has the kind of "touch of death" power that makes heavyweights nervous.
The Elephant in the Room: The Weight Gap
This is the part that killa the logic for most boxing purists. Mayweather’s largest career weight was around 154 pounds. Tyson, even a "slim" version of him, usually walks into the ring north of 220 pounds.
How do you even sanction that?
📖 Related: NFL Week 18 Scores: The Chaos Nobody Predicted
The short answer is: you don't. At least not as a professional bout. This is being billed as an exhibition. That means it won't touch Floyd’s pristine 50-0 record. It’s a "showcase." But don't let the label fool you; Tyson has already been vocal, saying this fight will be "detrimental" to Floyd’s health. He’s not planning on just moving around and tapping gloves.
Rules and Regulations (The Fine Print)
Expect some weirdness here. When Tyson fought Jake Paul, we saw two-minute rounds and 14-ounce gloves. For Mayweather fight next fight, the promoters are hinting at:
- 8 or 10 rounds (most likely 2-minute durations).
- Heavier gloves to protect Floyd from that massive weight discrepancy.
- No official winner unless there's a knockout (though judges might "score" it for the TV audience).
Is a Professional Comeback Actually on the Table?
Here is where things get really interesting. While the Tyson fight is the immediate "spectacle," Mayweather has been dropping hints to TMZ Sports and other outlets that a return to professional boxing isn't totally dead.
💡 You might also like: LeBron James Still Matters: The Truth About Year 23
He mentioned that "talks have been happening" about a real, sanctioned fight in 2026. If he actually does that, he’s putting that 50-0 on the line at age 49. Most experts think that’s a massive mistake. Then again, Mayweather has spent his entire career proving people wrong while making more money than some small countries.
There’s also the Manny Pacquiao factor. Manny has been loudly hinting at a 2026 rematch for their "Fight of the Century" from a decade ago. Pacquiao basically said he’s in negotiations but acknowledged he can't stop Floyd from doing the Africa trip with Tyson first.
What This Means for Your Calendar
If you're trying to plan your viewing, here is the current state of play for 2026.
The "Spring 2026" window is the target for the Tyson exhibition. March has been the month cited most frequently by Tyson's camp. If that goes well—and if Floyd doesn't take too much damage—a professional bout or a Pacquiao rematch could logically happen late in the year, likely in Las Vegas.
CSI Sports and Fight Sports are the ones driving the bus on the Tyson deal. They’re promising "new in-ring technology" to change how we watch the sport. Whatever that means, it sounds expensive.
Actionable Insights for Boxing Fans
If you're tracking the Mayweather fight next fight, don't just wait for the poster to drop. The landscape changes weekly.
- Watch the Scale: Keep an eye on the weigh-ins or training clips. If Floyd is suddenly looking bulkier than his usual 150-lb self, he’s taking the Tyson power seriously.
- Location Scouting: The "Africa" announcement is huge but vague. South Africa or Nigeria are the frontrunners for venues capable of handling the logistics.
- Sanctioning Body Noise: Watch to see if any commission actually agrees to oversee the Tyson fight. If they don't, it'll likely be a "private" event broadcast via a major streaming platform.
- Ignore the "Retired" Label: In 2026, "retired" just means "waiting for a bigger check." Floyd is more active in the ring now than many 25-year-old contenders.
Stay tuned to the official social feeds of Mayweather Promotions and Mike Tyson’s "Iron Mike" accounts. Those usually beat the press releases by about 24 hours. The spectacle is coming, whether the purists like it or not.
Next Steps for the Savvy Fan:
To stay ahead of the curve, you should set a specific alert for CSI Sports announcements, as they are the primary entity holding the contracts for the 2026 African showcase. Additionally, monitor the Nevada State Athletic Commission's public agendas starting in mid-2026 if you want the first real evidence of a sanctioned professional return for Mayweather.