A former world champion has expressed his shock after the announcement of the Mike Tyson vs Floyd Mayweather exhibition contest.
Tyson took to social media yesterday to announce that he and Mayweather had signed a deal to compete in an exhibition against each other in 2026, but no details on the fight have been revealed.
‘Iron’ Mike is no stranger to controversial fights, recently with his last bout against Jake Paul drawing criticism as the former world heavyweight champion competed professionally despite being retired for 19 years.
It was a professional fight, although they fought under two-minute rounds with 14-ounce gloves, and one UFC legend claimed Tyson ‘pulled punches’ in the contest.
The undefeated ‘Money May’ has made his living post-retirement competing in these exhibition contests where no official winner is declared.
Former world champion shocked by Mike Tyson vs Floyd Mayweather Jr exhibition
He has faced opponents such as YouTuber-turned-WWE superstar Logan Paul and bantamweight prospect Tenshin Nasukawa in bouts that had mixed fanfare.
However, this is a much different prospect, as he faces a man 11 years older than he is, with a significant weight disparity of over 60 lbs.
Even the ex-cruiserweight champion, Johnny Nelson, could not believe the contest was announced.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Sheffield fighter made some scathing remarks towards the legitimacy of this contest.
Nelson said: “I think ego is going to get the better of Mike rather than common sense. Common sense is Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather back in the day. You look at the size difference between these two. Mike Tyson would eat him alive.
“But now he’s 59 years old, and that style suits a young man. It doesn’t suit an old man. Floyd Mayweather, even though he might be smaller, he’ll be the one that’s got the movement.
“It’s like me getting in the ring with a 14-year-old kid that doesn’t know half of what I know. So to me, it’s one of those you want to watch behind your fingers.”
It is not only their clear size and age differentials that have had the former champion worried, but also the pair’s history outside of the ring, which could pose issues on fight night.
“Well, if there are rules, nobody’s going to stick to them. I don’t believe in a million years Floyd Mayweather is going to stick to any script that’s been written in regards to this exhibition. I don’t think Mike will either,” he said.
“This is personal. These two guys worked together previously, and still do probably, but I’ve never seen a positive interaction between Tyson and Floyd Mayweather. I just haven’t.”
Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather’s extraordinary tale of the tape
Their legacies in the sport are undeniable, and this exhibition will capture the attention of the general audience, no matter the issues surrounding the safety of the fighters.
The tale of the tape for this contest is incredibly interesting because of the respective advantages of the two legendary names involved.
There is only a two-inch difference in height between the two men, and surprisingly, Mayweather has a one-inch reach advantage over Tyson.
| Mike Tyson | Floyd Mayweather |
| Age: 59 | Age: 48 |
| Record: 50-7 (44 KOs) | Record: 50-0 (27 KOs) |
| Height: 5 foot 10 inches | Height: 5 feet 8 inches |
| Reach: 71 inches | Reach: 72 inches |
| Last weight: 228 lbs | Last weight: 160 lbs |
Floyd last weighed in for an exhibition contest at 160 lbs, whereas Tyson fought at 228 lbs, a 68 lb gulf between the pair.
This discrepancy is wider than when ‘Money’ faced Logan, who was 34 lbs heavier than he was on fight night.