Two of the best boxers of all time, Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather, are set to compete in an exhibition bout next year.
The event will be put on by CSI Sports/Fight Sports; however, the bout’s date, location, and broadcasters are yet to be announced.
Tyson, 59, retired in 2005, but returned to the ring for an eight-round exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr in 2020. He then went on to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul after a four-year break.
Mayweather, on the other hand, is 48, and he retired undefeated after 50 fights. He has featured in several exhibition matches, with the most recent being with John Gotti III.
In a statement from CSI/Fight Sports, Tyson said, “This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen. However, boxing has entered a new era of the unpredictable and this fight is as unpredictable as it gets. I still can’t believe Floyd wants to really do this. It’s going to be detrimental to his health, but he wants to do it, so it’s signed and it’s happening.”
Mayweather also noted, “I’ve been doing this for 30 years and there hasn’t been a single fighter that can tarnish my legacy. You already know that if I am going to do something, it’s going to be big and it’s going to be legendary. I’m the best in the business of boxing. This exhibition will give the fans what they want.”
After the fight was announced, many began wondering what particular rules would be implemented. Fight Hype, in a message shared on X, stated that the contest will feature “eight 2-minute rounds”, shorter than the standard three-minute rounds seen in 10- to 12-round bouts.
The 2-minute round non-traditional rule was enforced during the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight. Tyson proposed this rule to not only accommodate his age but also to make way for more action while entertaining fans.
With 50 wins from 59 fights, Tyson spent the whole of his career at heavyweight, while Mayweather’s career at the last stages was at welterweight.
The results of their fight will not count towards their career records.
