What once was a hypothetical years ago is now a reality: Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather, two of boxing's greats, will meet in the ring.
Reports from major outlets confirmed that the two legends have tentatively agreed to an exhibition match on April 25, 2026.
The location is just as historic as the participants: the Democratic Republic of Congo. This marks a symbolic return to the site of the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle," nearly 52 years after Muhammad Ali and George Foreman made history in the same region.
Here's what to know about the highly-anticipated fight.
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Are Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather fighting?
Reports have confirmed that Tyson and Mayweather have tentatively agreed to an exhibition match set for April 25, 2026.
The bout, which was first teased back in September 2025, has officially moved forward with a historic location: the Democratic Republic of Congo.
MAYWEATHER VS. TYSON IS OFFICIAL 🥊
Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Mike Tyson will have an exhibition match in the Democratic Republic of Congo, tentatively agreed for April 25th, 2026, per @ringmagazine pic.twitter.com/44xTvACWX6
While it won't count toward their professional records, both fighters have been highly vocal. Tyson (59) recently told TMZ Sports, "It's signed and it's happening!" while Mayweather (48) maintains his undefeated 50-0 pro legacy remains untarnished.
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When will Tyson and Mayweather fight?
Tyson and Mayweather have tentatively agreed to meet in the ring on April 25, 2026. This historic exhibition bout is reportedly set to take place in the Democratic Republic of Congo, serving as a return to the site of the legendary 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle."
The event is being organized by CSI Sports and Fight Sports, following months of speculation that began when the two icons first signed a deal in late 2025. Tyson, who will be 59 at the time of the fight, recently confirmed the news to TMZ Sports, making it clear that it was Mayweather who initiated the challenge.
While the match will not count toward Mayweather’s flawless 50-0 professional record, it is expected to be a massive commercial spectacle that capitalizes on the global interest generated by Tyson's 2024 return to the ring.
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Where will Tyson and Mayweather be fighting?
Tyson and Mayweather are tentatively scheduled to fight in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The location carries immense historical weight, as it is a symbolic return to the site of the legendary 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle" between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Reports February 16, 2026, indicate that the bout is currently set for April 25, 2026, though an official venue within the country has yet to be finalized.
The planned exhibition bout between Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather seems to have landed on a date and location 👀 pic.twitter.com/wBg6zi8Env
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) February 16, 2026Organizers from CSI Sports and Fight Sports have described the event as a "Legend vs. Legend" showcase, aiming to capitalize on the massive global audience that recently watched Tyson's 2024 return against Jake Paul.
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Will the Tyson vs. Mayweather fight be a professional, sanctioned bout?
No, the fight is not expected to be a professional, sanctioned bout. Instead, it is being promoted as a high-profile exhibition match.
Because of its exhibition status, the fight will not count toward either fighter's professional record. This is a critical distinction for Mayweather, as it allows him to protect his flawless 50-0 career record while still participating in a massive commercial even.
Exhibitions often feature non-standard rules designed to protect the health of older athletes. For this match, reports suggest it will consist of eight two-minute rounds rather than the standard three-minute rounds.
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What weight class will the Mike Tyson vs. Floyd Mayweather?
Because this is an exhibition match, there is no official weight class.
Since the fight is not a professional, sanctioned bout, neither fighter is required to cut weight to meet a specific divisional limit (like Welterweight or Heavyweight). Instead, the match relies on an agreed-upon weight range.
The "weight class" for this fight is essentially an open-weight catchweight. Based on their most recent weigh-ins and career histories, here is the disparity the fighters are working with:
| Fighter | Estimated Fight Weight | Natural Division |
| Mike Tyson | ~220–230 lbs | Heavyweight |
| Floyd Mayweather | ~150–160 lbs | Welterweight / Super Welterweight |
To compensate for the 70–80 lb weight difference, the fighters will likely use 14-ounce or 16-ounce gloves. These heavier gloves provide more padding to protect Mayweather from Tyson’s heavyweight power while slowing down Tyson's hand speed.
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