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Boxing
Floyd Mayweather teases shock comeback after Mike Tyson exhibition clash
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Floyd Mayweather has revealed he could make a shock return to boxing's professional ranks.
Having recently announced a cross-generational exhibition fight against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson for 2026, Mayweather has not ruled out making a fully-fledged comeback.
On the possibility of a full-time return to boxing, Mayweather told TMZ Sports: “There have been talks. It’s possible.
“I’m not really training right now. The fight [with Tyson] 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.”
The date and location of Mayweather’s exhibition are yet to be decided, but if this does lead to a reignition of Mayweather’s professional career at 48, he won’t have been the first in the last few years to do so.
Most notably, one of Mayweather’s biggest rivals, Manny Pacquiao, returned in July of this year to challenge for the WBC welterweight title against Mario Barrios at 46 – and fought to an impressive draw, which will have piqued Mayweather’s interest.
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The American retired and came back many times throughout his career, having significant time away from the sport in between fights towards the end.
It looked as though he may have finally retired in 2015 after beating Andre Berto to move to 49-0, but a crossover super fight against UFC legend Conor McGregor and a more than likely chance of extending his record to a historic 50-0 in 2017 were too much to keep Mayweather away.
Mayweather has not had a sanctioned bout since, but has not been inactive. He has been a part of eight exhibitions since 2018 – most recently a rematch with John Gotti III after their first fight ended in a brawl.
Mayweather could potentially target a world title, just like Pacquiao did earlier this year.
Pacquiao almost toppled Barrios after a four-year layoff, and Mayweather may believe he can rule the welterweight division once more, despite the fact he will be 49 in February.
Mayweather also has the benefit of remaining in good shape following his retirement, and once he has fought Mike Tyson, will have had nine exhibition fights since he called time on his professional career.
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