If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably seen clips of a grey-bearded Mike Tyson looking terrifyingly fast on the pads. It’s a trip. One minute you're thinking about him as the "Baddest Man on the Planet" from the 80s, and the next, he's back in a ring with Netflix logos everywhere. People keep asking: when was the last time Mike Tyson fought? Well, it depends on what you mean by "fought."
If you’re looking for his most recent sanctioned professional appearance, that happened on November 15, 2024. He faced Jake Paul at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It was a weird, polarizing spectacle that brought in about 65 million concurrent viewers on Netflix.
Honestly, the fight itself didn't live up to the hype for a lot of people. Tyson was 58. Paul was 27. That’s a 31-year age gap. You could see it in the way Mike moved. He had flashes of that old "Iron Mike" head movement in the first round, but by the third, he looked every bit his age. Paul won by a unanimous decision after eight rounds of two minutes each.
The Confusion Between "Pro" and "Exhibition"
This is where things get kinda messy for the casual fan. Before the Jake Paul fight, Tyson hadn't fought a "professional" bout since 2005. That was the infamous night he quit on his stool against Kevin McBride. For nearly twenty years, that was the end of the story.
Then came 2020.
In the middle of the pandemic, Tyson came back for an exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. It was a massive success for what it was. It felt like a celebration of two legends. Because it was an exhibition, it didn't count on his official record (50-7). The fight ended in a split draw, though most people watching thought Mike actually took it.
But the 2024 fight with Jake Paul was different. It was officially sanctioned as a professional heavyweight bout by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. That means it counts. It’s on his permanent record.
🔗 Read more: NFL Football on Today: Why the Divisional Round Calm is Actually Chaos
The Current Buzz: Is There a 2026 Fight?
Just when everyone thought the Jake Paul loss was the final curtain, the rumor mill started spinning again. As of early 2026, the boxing world is fixated on a massive announcement that dropped late last year.
Mike Tyson is reportedly set to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. in an exhibition match.
Yeah, you read that right.
It’s being billed for March 2026 in Africa. They’re calling it a "return to the roots" event, drawing comparisons to the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle." It’s an exhibition, so it won’t change Tyson's 50-7 record, but the sheer absurdity of a heavyweight fighting a guy who spent most of his career at 147 pounds is enough to keep the internet talking.
Mike Tyson's Recent Fight Timeline
To keep it simple, here is how the last few years have actually played out for Mike:
- November 2024: Lost to Jake Paul via Unanimous Decision (Professional Bout).
- November 2020: Drew with Roy Jones Jr. (Exhibition).
- June 2005: Lost to Kevin McBride (Professional - Retired afterwards).
- Next Up: Scheduled exhibition vs. Floyd Mayweather (Expected March 2026).
Why We Can't Stop Watching
It’s easy to be cynical. You can say it's just for the money—and let's be real, the paychecks are astronomical. Tyson and Paul reportedly cleared tens of millions. The Mayweather fight is rumored to be in the $50 million range for each guy.
💡 You might also like: Why the 2019 Raptors Starting Lineup was the Smartest Team in NBA History
But there’s something else. Tyson talks a lot about the "Gods of War" reawakening him. He seems to genuinely enjoy the training camp and the discipline. Even if he only lands 18 punches in a whole fight (which is what happened against Paul), the world stops to watch.
The Jake Paul fight was a bit of a reality check. Mike looked tired. He was biting his glove—a nervous habit or a way to keep his mouthpiece in, who knows? But he survived. He didn't get knocked out by a guy half his age, which was the big fear for many of his long-time fans.
The Physical Toll and the Critics
Not everyone is happy about Mike getting back in there. After the Paul fight was postponed due to an ulcer flare-up, the medical concerns were everywhere. Dr. Margaret Goodman from VADA and other ringside physicians have often pointed out that the brain doesn't get "tougher" as you hit 60.
The critics say these fights tarnish his legacy. Do they? If you watch his 1986 knockout of Trevor Berbick, does seeing him lose a decision to a YouTuber in 2024 really change that? Probably not. It's a different era. It's "sportainment."
What You Should Watch For Next
If you're following the when was the last time Mike Tyson fought saga, your eyes should be on the March 2026 date. Whether it actually happens in Africa or moves to a massive stadium in Saudi Arabia or Las Vegas, it represents the new reality of boxing.
✨ Don't miss: Attending an FC Cincinnati soccer game: What to expect at TQL Stadium
Old legends don't just fade away anymore; they pivot to high-production exhibitions.
If you want to understand the modern Mike Tyson, don't just look at the win-loss column. Look at the Netflix numbers. Look at the sold-out arenas. As long as people are willing to pay to see that iconic crouch and the black trunks, Mike seems willing to give them one more round.
Next Steps for Fans:
Check the official CSI Sports or Fight Sports announcements for the confirmed venue and ticket release for the Tyson-Mayweather 2026 event. If you want to see Tyson's actual last competitive performance, the full replay of the Jake Paul fight is still available on Netflix.