Mike Tyson has bullishly vowed his blockbuster showdown against Floyd Mayweather will be ‘detrimental’ to his opponent’s health.
Two of boxing’s most legendary names will square off with each other in an exhibition fight next year, despite both being long retired. The contracts have now been signed, per TMZ, and the war of words has already begun.
Tyson, 59, sparked serious health concerns when he stepped back into the ring for his exhibition against Jake Paul in 2024. Though Mayweather will be 49 when he faces ‘Iron Mike’, he holds a 50-0 professional record and is in formidable shape.
However, it is Tyson who believes he will come out on top.
Expressing concern for Mayweather, he said: ‘When CSI came to me about stepping in the ring with Floyd Mayweather, I thought, “No way this happens,” but he said yes. 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!’
Mike Tyson has raised health fears over Floyd Mayweather ahead of their blockbuster fight
Mayweather will fight fellow legend Tyson in an exhibition bout, with contracts already signed
He trolled his followers shortly after the announcement by posing with reams of cash
Mayweather started trolling his social media followers shortly after the fight was announced, posting videos of himself sitting in front of reams of cash on Instagram.
Blasting out music on board a private jet, Mayweather counted tens of thousands of dollars before placing them back into a bag. ‘S***,’ he said. ‘I’m pretty sure I’d be upset too if I were somebody else, I’d be mad at Mayweather, too.
‘How the f*** for 29-30 years you can keep getting money like this? I’d be mad too, s***, I’d be hating on Mayweather too. Continue to hate, people only talk about winners, I’m a winner so continue to talk. Keep the bread fresh, put it in a bag.
‘Call me the bread man.’
Mayweather also showed off his collection of new iPhones, adding: ‘See, I’m balling the f*** out. Crocodile phones, Himalayan phones, crocodile bags. It’s my life, man.’
The match between the two greats will be put on by CSI Sports and Fight Sports, and an exact date and location are yet to be decided.
When Tyson last fought – a loss against YouTube sensation Paul – it took place live on Netflix at the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium.
Reacting to the news of his fight against Tyson, Mayweather said: ‘I’ve been doing this for 30 years and there hasn’t been a single fighter that can tarnish my legacy.
Mayweather, though 48 himself, is still in incredible shape and has a 50-0 professional record
‘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.’
Mayweather last fought professionally in 2017 against Conor McGregor in one of the most-watched fights in history, though he has stepped back into the ring since. His last fight was a second exhibition against John Gotti III in August 2024 in Mexico City.
A remarkable 108million people tuned in on Netflix to Tyson’s fight with Paul last year, and early indications are that this showdown could draw even more excitement.
