Boxing icons Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have agreed to meet in an exhibition targeted for spring 2026. Promoters say the matchup is on; date, venue, rules, and broadcaster are still TBA. The event will be staged by CSI Sports / FIGHT SPORTS. ESPN.comThe Times
Quick facts
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Who: Mike Tyson (59 in 2026) vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. (48) — exhibition, not added to pro records. ESPN.com
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When: Spring 2026 (exact date TBA). The Times
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Where / TV: TBA — no city, arena or platform confirmed yet. ESPN.com
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Announced by: CSI Sports / FIGHT SPORTS (press & social posts; media confirmed). ESPN.comCBSSports.com
Why this blew up
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Era clash + size gulf: heavyweight KO legend vs. an undefeated five-division great — a spectacle even as an exhibition. ESPN.com
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Quotes that sell the show: Tyson said he “still can’t believe Floyd wants to do this” and warned it could be “detrimental to his health.” Mayweather promised something “big” and “legendary.” Sky SportsCBS News
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Event-first boxing: both men proved they can draw massive eyeballs in non-title exhibitions — expect mainstream attention beyond core fans. ESPN.com
What’s locked vs. what’s TBD
Locked in
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Intent to fight in spring 2026 as an exhibition (CSI Sports/Fight Sports). ESPN.com
Still TBD
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Ruleset: rounds, glove size, headgear, and whether there will be judging/scorecards. CBS News
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Weight / ring size: not specified; expect exhibition-style flexibility. CBS News
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Location & broadcast partner: not announced yet. ESPN.com
Style snapshot (if they “play it straight”)
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Tyson: short bursts, slips inside, violent hooks to body/head; needs to collapse space early.
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Mayweather: distance control, counter timing (pull counter/check hook), exits on angles; thrives with low-risk scoring if rounds are short.
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Rules matter most: bigger gloves, shorter rounds, and no judging favor a safety-first exhibition; competitive judging would reward clean counter work. (Inference based on typical exhibition formats; final rules TBA.) CBS News
Timeline at a glance
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Sept 4–5, 2025: Press and outlets report the exhibition is on for spring 2026; promoters named as CSI Sports/Fight Sports. ESPN.comThe Times
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Same window: Broad reaction across sports media; rules/TV remain open questions. Sky SportsCBSSports.com
Burning questions fans want answered
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Will it be scored or a no-winner exhibition? CBS News
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How many rounds and what gloves? Headgear or not? CBS News
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Who’s broadcasting — PPV or a global streamer? ESPN.com
Tyson vs. Mayweather is pure event boxing: two all-timers, a heavy nostalgia hit, and a global spotlight — even without official stakes. Until rules, date, and broadcast land, pencil it in for spring 2026 and expect the lead-up to dominate headlines. ESPN.com
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Sound off: do you want full judging or a no-score spectacle?
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