Floyd Mayweather Jr. Is coming out of retirement, again. The undefeated boxing legend, 49, announced Friday he will return to professional boxing this summer, marking his first sanctioned bout in nine years. The announcement comes as Mayweather faces a series of legal and financial challenges, and shortly before a scheduled exhibition match against Mike Tyson.
Mayweather’s return will be promoted through an exclusive deal with CSI Sports/Fight Sports, according to a statement released by the company. Details regarding his opponent, the fight date, venue, and broadcast arrangements are forthcoming. “I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing,” Mayweather said. “From my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterward, no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event than my events.”
The boxing icon initially retired in 2017 after defeating Conor McGregor in a highly publicized bout, finishing his 21-year career with a perfect 50-0 record and championships in five different weight classes. Since then, Mayweather has participated in a series of lucrative exhibition matches, including bouts against Logan Paul, Mikuru Asakura, and John Gotti III.
The upcoming fight against Tyson, scheduled as an exhibition, is intended to serve as a bridge back to full-speed competition. While the location and broadcaster for that event haven’t been finalized, it’s slated for this spring.
Mayweather’s decision to return to the professional ranks arrives amidst a complex web of legal and financial issues. He recently filed a lawsuit against Showtime, seeking $340 million in alleged misappropriated funds. Simultaneously, he is facing two separate lawsuits – one for $330,000 in unpaid rent for a Manhattan apartment and another for $1.4 million in unpaid jewelry bills.
The timing of the announcement was notable. Just three minutes after the press release detailing his comeback, Mayweather promoted his branded credit card on social media, without mentioning his decision to unretire. This juxtaposition highlights the multifaceted business empire Mayweather continues to cultivate.
Richard and Craig Miele, co-founders of CSI Sports/Fight Sports, expressed confidence in their ability to capitalize on Mayweather’s star power. “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 so with our global team at CSI Sports/Fight Sports,” they said in a joint statement. They anticipate further announcements that will “excite fans and continue to build the sport in 2026.”
CSI Sports/Fight Sports boasts a significant content library, including global rights to HBO World Championship Boxing events and ownership of the USA Tuesday Night Fights series. They also claim to possess thousands of hours of footage featuring Mayweather, Tyson, and Oscar De La Hoya, reaching over 190 countries with U.S. Distribution through a branded block in more than 80 million households.
The possibility of a rematch with Manny Pacquiao was reportedly discussed in October, with Pacquiao stating they were “almost in agreement.” However, negotiations ultimately stalled, leaving the door open for other potential opponents for Mayweather’s comeback fight.
Mayweather’s return comes despite reports of financial difficulties, with a Business Insider investigation in December detailing a “lavish, debt-filled post-boxing life” despite earning an estimated $1.15 billion during his career. The financial pressures may be a contributing factor to his decision to re-enter the ring, seeking to bolster his income through high-profile fights.
The boxing world will be watching closely to see how Mayweather performs after a nine-year absence and at the age of 49. His ability to still generate significant revenue and attract a large audience remains undeniable, but his physical capabilities will be under intense scrutiny as he prepares for his professional comeback.
