Heavyweight boxing legend Mike Tyson is set for a shock return to the ring next year when he takes on Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition bout. No location has yet been confirmed for the fight, which will be promoted by CSI Sports/Fight Sports. The bizarre clash is expected to take place next spring over eight, two-minute rounds.
Neither Tyson or Mayweather are strangers to the exhibition format. Since retiring as a professional after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor in August 2017, ‘Money’ has competed in no less than eight exhibition bouts. The undefeated fighter has tested his skills against the likes of Logan Paul, Deji and John Gotti III, reportedly scooping major paydays on each occasion.
Tyson fought fellow boxing legend Roy Jones Jr in a November 2020 exhibition, although his most recent in-ring activity came in a professional contest against social media star Jake Paul last November. ‘Iron Mike’ entered a disappointing performance against ‘The Problem Child’, losing via unanimous decision in a bout where he barely landed a punch.
Mike Tyson Explains Decision to Face Floyd Mayweather
Given his struggles against Paul, many have questioned why Tyson would agree to fight again, especially against an opponent as skilled as Mayweather. The New-York-born knockout artist was quizzed on his motivation during a recent appearance on The Today Show. Tyson responded:
“I have a 14-year-old son, and my son said ‘Why? Why are you doing this?’ For a moment, I didn’t know what to say. And I felt sad for a moment. I said, because I’m the best that ever did it. That’s why.”
However, the youngest-ever world heavyweight champion would pause, before continuing by making a statement that will be tough for his long-time fans to hear:
“He didn’t get it, but I said, ‘I have to, it is all I know how to do.'”
Tyson would then try to justify his stance by pointing out that he had made more money in his 50s (by fighting Jones Jr and Paul) than he did in the whole of his 20s. While his upcoming bout with Mayweather will undoubtedly be highly regulated to ensure fighter safety, the fact that Tyson feels that he needs to keep competing is concerning.
The veteran slugger, who turns 60 next July, has had various ventures away from the ring, including acting, podcasting and launching a range of products bearing his likeness. After his loss to Paul, Tyson insisted that he wouldn’t step back into the squared circle again.
However, the lure of the sport in which he became a legend – and the money that comes with it – keeps pulling Tyson back. The same can be said for Mayweather, who will be 49 years old by the time next year’s showdown takes place. While the competitive fire burns within a fighter, it is tough for them to close the door on one last fight.