Floyd Mayweather announces another fight with shock opponent before Manny Pacquiao
Mayweather has not fought as a professional since defeating UFC star Conor McGregor in a boxing match in 2017.
Floyd Mayweather has revealed that he will have another bout ahead of his rematch against Manny Pacquiao.
Mayweather, who boasts a professional boxing record of 50 wins and zero defeats, has already announced that he and long-time foe Pacquiao will go toe to toe in Las Vegas on 19 September, a decade on from their first fight, which the American won via a comfortable unanimous decision.
Meanwhile, ‘Pretty Boy’ has teased an exhibition bout against former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. Although no official date has been released for the contest, it is expected to happen in 2026.
Reports from Reuters suggest the fight may take place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 25 April, several months before Mayweather’s showdown with Pacquiao.
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Despite not boxing as a professional since his 2017 victory over UFC star Conor McGregor, 49-year-old Mayweather has taken to the ring for several exhibition bouts, including contests against social media personalities Logan Paul, Deji and Aaron Chalmers.
It also appears that the unbeaten fighter could take on kickboxing icon Mike Zambidis in Athens, Greece, on 27 June.
On Monday (2 March), Mayweather shared a promotional poster on Instagram, accompanied by the caption: “2026 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for me.
“Europe, I’m on the way to entertain!! Athens, Greece… Get ready for an all-out exhibition. This summer will be a legendary battle. June is the month where history will be made at the Telekom Center. Different energy. Different level.”
Eighteen-time world champion Zambidis is widely regarded as one of the best to compete in kickboxing but has not fought since 2015, when he defeated Steve Moxman.
However, the Greek also had a boxing bout against Spanish boxer Antonio Gomez in 2019, which he won despite sustaining a serious arm injury.
Further details of the bout, and whether it will be under professional rules, remain unclear at this time.
Mayweather has previously returned from retirement in 2007, 2015 and 2017.
Fans were quick to react to the announcement on social media.
One said: “Floyd’s got a busy summer, huh? Zambidis better bring more than just flashy kicks if he wants to avoid getting schooled in that ring. Pacquiao rematch though? That's the real spicy meatball.”
Another added: “Floyd out here collecting cheques like it’s a side hustle while still undefeated. Keep printing money, Money Mayweather!”
A third claimed: “So it’s Mike Tyson, this dude.
“Then Pacquiao this year? Yeah, he’s broke and needs money.”
Luke Davies