It’s the domino whose pieces are still falling. First, after four years of retirement, Manny Pacquiao staged a comeback. And what a return it was! He headlined a card against reigning champion Mario Barrios. ‘The PacMan’s performance and entry into the welterweight rankings only added to the intrigue. Soon, news arrived. Former world champion and Pacquiao rival Ricky Hatton, who sadly passed away a few days ago, had been planning a tentative December return. Though not in boxing, another contemporary, 44-year-old Paulie Malignaggi, will also make his bare-knuckle debut.
But sometimes, the best is served last. As the year drew to a close, the boxing world’s focus remained on the Canelo-Crawford showdown. So news arrived: Floyd Mayweather will return in spring 2026 for an exhibition. His opponent on fight night will be ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson. And just when the influx of reports absorbed fans, a surprise update raised eyebrows. In an interview, Mayweather seemed open to trying professional boxing again.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Floyd Mayweather drops a hint about fighting again
The revelations came when the undefeated, former world champion spoke to TMZ Sports. Last month, August 26, marked eight years since he retired from professional boxing. Unlike most fighters who fade quietly into retirement, Mayweather quickly turned his brand into a successful exhibition venture. He fought across the globe over the years. His last non-pro fight occurred on August 24, 2024, where he faced John Gotti III in a rematch.
So speaking about the upcoming match against Mike Tyson, the 48-year-old icon revealed that there have been ‘talks’ of a potential return. “There’s been talks. There’s been talks. It’s possible,” he said on the TMZ Sports TV Show.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Floyd Mayweather’s recent comments contrast sharply with his 2020 interview with CNN. “I’m 100% sure that I’m not fighting against any boxer anymore. So, that’s out of the question. I mean, just my faculties mean a lot to me. Money doesn’t make me; I make money, and my health is more important than money,” he told CNN en Español‘s Raul Saenz at the time.
Tyson and Mayweather are set to enter the ring
For now, Mayweather’s full focus remains on the Tyson duel. “As of right now, everything is going great, and I feel good. “Working hard every day, and I can’t wait for 2026,” he stated during the TMZ interview. Along with Jake Paul, Iron Mike staged one of 2024’s biggest shows, which reportedly broke viewership records. Though initially noncommittal to any future matchups, Tyson now appears open to exchanging friendly jabs with fellow boxing greats like Mayweather.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Fans still recall Tyson’s 2020 money-spinner with Roy Jones Jr. The meeting with Mayweather, who has never ventured beyond 154 pounds, could be another opportunity to showcase their skills to audiences worldwide.
“I’m not really training right now. The fight is in 2026. We’re still ironing out everything. But I’m pretty sure it’s going to be exciting for the people and the fans,” Floyd Mayweather said. However, the narrative raises a few open-ended questions. If Mayweather and team finally settle on the comeback fight, then who will he face?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
So the most plausible matchup, which should resonate with most of the fans, remains the rematch with archrival Manny Pacquiao. Memories of their 2015 super fight echo to this day.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Pacquiao vs. Mayweather 2: Is it coming?
Latest reports suggest boxing’s lone eight-division champion is aiming for a December return. As of now, WBA champion Rolando Romero’s name has been doing the rounds. With no signs of ring rust afflicting him, Manny Pacquiao, whose last bout against Yordenis Ugas ended in the most plebeian manner, outboxed Mario Barrios. The reigning welterweight champion, sixteen years junior to Pacquiao, could barely muster answers to the Filipino icon’s footwork. The drill took many fans back to the days when he ruled the lower divisions.
If not a win, the fight ended in a debatable draw with Barrios retaining his belt. Nonetheless, the experiment gave an immense boost to Manny Pacquiao’s comeback story. And possibly inspired a few others.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Despite generating over 4.4 million pay-per-view buyouts, the 2015 showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao is largely remembered for being a dull affair in the ring. Still, there has been a clamor to see the two boxing greats get back to set the record straight.
At his end, Manny Pacquiao has already cleared his stand. After the Barrios fight, one reporter asked, “Manny, with the way that you performed tonight. Do you feel like this was enough to coax Floyd Mayweather out, and maybe you guys get a rematch right here in this same building? Do you feel like this version of you beats the version of Floyd Mayweather that exists today?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Pacquiao appeared doubtful about Mayweather’s intentions. But he minced no words: “If he comes out, then go sign the contract and we will fight,” he said before adding, “I mean, let’s fight again if he wants. I have no problem with that. I’m active now. I don’t pick my opponent.”
One only needs to check Lange Pugmire’s X post to gauge some insights on Mayweather-Pacquiao 2. “Went over to @FloydMayweather Boxing Club upon my arrival today in Vegas for @MannyPacquiao fight week and was told to expect Floyd to attend with two fighters on the card. “Conversations are already happening … if Manny wins, this (rematch) could be worth billions,” I was told,” the eminent boxing writer wrote.
As most fans know, Pacquiao and Mayweather were reportedly in talks for an exhibition last year. But it never materialized. It appears Manny Pacquiao insisted on a professional bout.
GGG is ready to test his skills once more
Though it may sound a bit unconventional. A new variable could enter the mix. Gennady Golovkin, the middleweight boogeyman, struck terror into the middleweight division last decade with his pulverizing punches. Additionally, he boasted a granite chin. So, like Pacquiao and many others, Golovkin also appears interested in testing himself against a worthy opponent.
In a sixteen-year career, the Kazakh superstar earned fame through his trilogy with Canelo Alvarez. Though he never retired officially, he hung up the gloves after their 2022 fight. Speculations about his potential return were rife. In the meantime, reports of his success outside the ring made headlines. After taking over as president of Kazakhstan’s NOC in early 2024, Golovkin stepped into a global role later that year, when World Boxing named him chair of its Olympic Commission — a key position in the movement to replace the troubled IBA and win the IOC’s recognition for boxing at the 2028 Games.
Many credit Gennady Golovkin for rescuing boxing from Olympic elimination.
Speaking to the media after World Boxing’s inaugural event in Liverpool, Golovkin expressed immense pride in Kazakhstan’s performance. The Central Asian country topped the medal tally with 10 medals, including 7 gold. So speaking about his comeback, Gennady Golovkin said, “Yes, why not? I feel my old emotions here.”
However, when asked if he had any opponent in mind for his comeback fight, the middleweight legend kept mum. “That’s my secret,” Golovkin said.
Floyd Mayweather and Golovkin: The possible ring meeting
Floyd Mayweather’s last bout, against Conor McGregor, took place at light middleweight. Hence, a catchweight fight with ‘Triple G’ doesn’t seem feasible. Like Mayweather, Golovkin is also an Olympic medal winner. Thanks to his three fights with Canelo and a few others, he was a major PPV attraction of the 2010s.
There’s a four-year age gap between Floyd Mayweather and Gennady Golovkin. Still, it shouldn’t shock fans the way Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson did.
Back in the day, when asked about the possibility of a fight between the two, Tom Loeffler, Gennady Golovkin’s promoter, felt that Mayweather would most probably avoid the matchup. “There’s a reason (Mayweather) fought Conor McGregor and would never entertain fighting GGG at 154 lbs.,” Loeffler said.
He emphasized that no serious talks had taken place. Tom Loeffler shared how ‘GGG’ would only move down in weight out of respect for Mayweather. The American champion himself thought the fight would be easy due to his advantage in a lower weight class.
To many, ‘Triple G’s fighting style closely resembles that of boxing great George Foreman. In 1987, at age 38, ten years after he retired, Foreman returned to professional boxing. And seven years later became the oldest heavyweight champion in history. What struck the most was that Foreman’s power had barely waned.
As the saying goes in boxing, power is the last attribute to fade, and Golovkin is not too old either.
Another blockbuster? Mayweather vs. McGregor 2?
That brings us to another alternative. If Manny Pacquiao and Gennady Golovkin are not available, then who can make the list? One possibility could be a rematch with Conor McGregor. Like the Pacquiao fight, the crossover spectacle of 2017 was a money spinner.
It made McGregor a household name among diehard boxing fans as well. The Irish MMA superstar has yet to return to the cage since suffering a second consecutive loss to Dustin Poirier. Reports suggest McGregor is eyeing a slot at the much-anticipated UFC White House of 2026.
Earlier, reports of Conor McGregor facing Jake Paul’s elder brother, Logan Paul, for an exhibition bout grabbed major headlines. The WWE star incidentally shared a ring with Floyd Mayweather four years ago.
It’s too early to speculate whether the 37-year-old Dubliner would forego a chance at MMA glory for yet another boxing blockbuster. If he considers it, it’s a solid option. He matches Mayweather in height, reach, and weight, despite the age difference.
The verdict on Floyd Mayweather’s return
Though it appears a bit outlandish, a few outlets believe a fight between Floyd Mayweather and Gervonta Davis could make for an exciting and perhaps dramatic matchup. Mentored by Mayweather, for long the Baltimore-born Tank fought under Mayweather Promotions till they went their separate ways.
Initially, the terms between the guru and the disciple were cordial. However, as time passed, it became acrimonious and eventually spilled into the public eye. “Floyd doesn’t want to see a fighter do better than him,” Davis lamented while speaking with the media. So the fight between the lightweight champion, who’s all set to face Jake Paul in a Miami exhibition, and his former mentor could as well turn out to be a hyper-grudge bout.
Among all the options, the second fight with Manny Pacquiao appears most likely.
Considering the excitement PacMan has generated, a fight between the two aging boxing demi-gods could prove yet another sellout. A proverbial swan song that every fan would love to watch, even for sentimental reasons if not for sheer boxing craftsmanship.
For now, fans can only wait till something concrete comes from the Mayweather camp. Despite his retirement, Floyd Mayweather continues to draw attention and money. So, a boxing match featuring him would never be a flop.
What are your thoughts on Mayweather’s intentions to return? Do you think it’s wishful thinking that will dent his perfect record or prove a boon that will extend it to 51-0?