Mike Tyson has revealed he only accepted an exhibition fight with Floyd Mayweather after being approached by the five-weight world champion.
Tyson and Mayweather shocked the boxing world when they announced they will be fighting each other in early 2026.
It will be Tyson’s first fight since he was beaten by Jake Paul on points last year, and he will be just months away from his 60th birthday when he steps into the ring.
Mayweather is 48 himself and has not had a professional fight since 2017, but Tyson claims it was Mayweather’s idea to pursue a fight with him.
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Speaking at a Hard Rock Bet VIP event, Tyson told rapper Fat Joe: “I was minding my own business.
“I wasn’t bothering nobody. He just wanted to pick a fight.”
Tyson admitted he is surprised that Mayweather wants to face him given the size difference between them as he sent out an ominous warning to his rival.
“This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen,” Tyson added.
“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 has been involved in eight exhibition fights since retiring and has given up a notable weight advantage before.
Back in 2021 he faced YouTuber-turned-wrestler Logan Paul and was more than two stones lighter than his opponent.
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The rules for his fight with Tyson are yet to be confirmed, but he is likely to be significantly outweighed by the former heavyweight champion.
Tyson tipped the scales at 228.4lbs when he faced Paul last November, while Mayweather never fought above the super welterweight limit of 154lbs during his professional career.
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