Floyd Mayweather Announces Professional Boxing Comeback at Age 49
Boxing icon Floyd Mayweather Jr. has confirmed his return to professional boxing, declaring he still possesses the ability to set new records in the sport. The undefeated 48-year-old, who famously retired with a perfect 50-0 record after defeating Conor McGregor in 2017, is planning a legitimate comeback against active opponents.
Exhibition with Mike Tyson and Professional Ambitions
Mayweather remains committed to an exhibition match against the aging Mike Tyson this spring, but he has now expanded his plans to include a professional return. In a statement to ESPN, Mayweather asserted, 'I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing.' He emphasized that his events, from the Tyson exhibition to his next professional fight, will generate the largest gates, global broadcast audiences, and financial returns in boxing history.
'From my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards — no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event — then my events,' Mayweather stated. He plans to achieve this in partnership with his new global media partner, CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS, with whom he recently signed an exclusive promotional deal.
Recent Exhibitions and Legal Disputes
Since his retirement, Mayweather has participated in several exhibitions against opponents like Logan Paul, Mikuru Asakura, and John Gotti III. These matches faced heavy criticism for lacking the competitiveness of his professional career. Meanwhile, Mayweather has sued Showtime, claiming he is owed 'at least' $340 million from reported fight purses totaling $1.2 billion.
The exhibition with Tyson may take place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a location famous for Muhammad Ali's 1974 victory over George Foreman, though this has not been confirmed. As Mayweather approaches 49, questions remain about his weight class—whether he will return to 154 pounds, as in his McGregor fight, or move up to middleweight.
Promoter Support and Future Plans
Richard and Craig Miele, co-founders of CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS, expressed enthusiasm about Mayweather's comeback. 'Signing Floyd Mayweather to un-retire after he captures another world-wide audience with his Mike Tyson match-up, highlights our commitment to providing our global audience with the most high-profile fighters in the sport,' they told ESPN.
They added, 'Floyd will once again continue to dominate boxing with the biggest audience and highest gross events of all time, and we are proud and privileged to be able to do with our global team at CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS. We look forward to even more announcements that will excite fans and continue to build the sport in 2026!'
Mayweather's return marks a significant moment in boxing, blending nostalgia with new professional challenges, as he aims to extend his legacy and financial success in the sport.
