Mike Tyson does not mess around when it comes to fighters comparing themselves to Muhammad Ali, and Floyd Mayweather was no different.
It was announced by both Tyson and Mayweather that the pair would compete in an exhibition match in 2026, with a date and venue yet to be confirmed, much to the confusion of a UFC legend.
The bout will be the ninth exhibition bout of ‘Money May’s’ career and only the second of ‘Iron’ Mike’s after facing Roy Jones Jr in 2020.
Tyson has, though, competed much more recently than his next opponent in a crossover fight against Jake Paul, which ended in a decision loss for the boxing legend.
Mike Tyson once scolded Floyd Mayweather for making Muhammad Ali career comparisons
But before the 59-year-old came out of retirement in 2024, he was still one of the biggest names in boxing despite not competing.
The former heavyweight world champion was always an attendee at the marquee cards the sport had on offer, and when Manny Pacquiao and Floyd finally fought in 2015, he found himself in Las Vegas for the huge fight week events.
During the week, the undefeated star Mayweather remarked that he was greater than boxing icon Muhammad Ali.
This was a comment to which the ferocious heavyweight and great friend of Ali did not take kindly, as he responded to a reporter’s question.
Speaking to the Undisputed Champion Network in 2015, he said: “He’s very delusional. If he was anywhere near that realm of greatness and Ali, he’d be able to take his kids to school by himself.
“Greatness is not guarding yourself from the people; greatness is being accepted by the people. He can’t take his kids alone to school by himself; he’s a very small, scared man.”
It will be very interesting to see how the fight build-up plays out, considering the two very different personalities involved.
Mike Tyson’s Floyd Mayweather Jr wish made 11 years ago finally came true
While the fight’s announcement came out of nowhere for fans, it may not come as a surprise that Tyson would want to share the ring with the five-weight world champion.
When ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ was a promoter in 2014, he was asked by presenter Steve Farhood during a ShoBox fight broadcast who he would have loved to face from any era and weight.
He responded without hesitation.
“Floyd Mayweather… I would have loved to have fought him, I wish he was my weight,” he said.
It is reported that the bout is likely to take place in spring next year, but neither fighter has expanded on the fight since yesterday’s announcement.