Mike Tyson doesn’t remember his dreadful performance in the Jake Paul fight, which is probably why he didn’t hesitate to book an exhibition bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr. for early 2026. The former WBC heavyweight champion will certainly have a size advantage over “Money,” who competed everywhere from super featherweight to light middleweight, but Mayweather Jr. is 11 years younger at 48.
And as a defensive dynamo, took far less damage in his career.
Those are just some of the reasons the bookies
at BetOnline.ag opened Mayweather Jr. as the -500 favorite against +350 for the underdog Tyson. In addition, the betting line for the fight occurring by June 30, 2026 is -150 (yes) and +110 (no). As of this writing, the deadline for those wagers is Sept. 30, so time is of the essence if you plan on making something happen.
And by “something” I don’t mean a “life-threatening medical emergency.”
“I thought, ‘No way this happens,’ but, Floyd said yes,” 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!”
An official date, as well as exhibition ruleset, is expected in the coming weeks.
“I’ve been doing this for 30 years and there hasn’t been a single fighter that can tarnish my legacy,” Mayweather said. “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.”
If that’s true, then Tyson will retire when it’s over.
