Mayweather has an exhibition lined up with Mike Tyson set for April 25 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It's important to note that this match won't influence his professional record, but he views it as another opportunity to showcase his skills and excite fans worldwide.
Throughout his career, Mayweather's exhibitions against names like Logan Paul and Tenshin Nasukawa have significantly boosted his earnings, which Forbes estimates over $1 billion. Despite these money-spinning bouts, there's an essential distinction between exhibitions and a full return to professional boxing that he'll need to navigate carefully if he goes ahead with a 2026 return.
There's no confirmed opponent or sanctioning body involvement for Mayweather's proposed professional comeback yet. The commission must grant medical clearance before any official bout can occur — particularly vital given he's competing at nearly 50 years old. Similarly, big-name fighters who prolonged their careers faced similar competitive risks.
Fans and industry insiders are reacting passionately to this news. Views vary widely; some admire Mayweather's ambition, while others question the relevance of such fights today. Are they efforts to add sparkle to what's already one of boxing's brightest legacies, or is he pushing boundaries just for business benefits?
Only time will tell how history judges Mayweather's decision. As one article concludes, "Whether this move enhances his legacy or complicates it will depend entirely on who he fights and how he performs." This apt summary captures the uncertainty surrounding his return better than anything else could.