Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather have been urged to call off their planned fight, only hours after confirming the exhibition showdown for 2026.
The bout, which will pit two of boxing’s most famous names against one another, does not yet have a confirmed date or location.
Tyson, once the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world between 1987 and 1990, retired from professional boxing in 2005 with a record of 50 wins from 58 contests.
He returned to the ring last November for an exhibition against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a bout streamed live on Netflix.
Tyson, who was 58 and is now 59, struggled during the fight and Paul emerged victorious.
Mayweather, now 48, retired undefeated in 2017 after winning all 50 of his professional contests.
Over nearly two decades, he captured 15 world championship belts across five weight classes, establishing himself as one of the sport’s most technically gifted fighters.
The announcement of the Tyson–Mayweather exhibition came late on Thursday, when Tyson shared a promotional poster showing a split image of the two men alongside the words “Coming soon.”
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Reaction from supporters was immediate, with many questioning whether the fight should go ahead.
"Mike, stay retired, man. Don’t make a mockery of the sport you put on the map," one fan said.
Another added: "You haven’t got anything left to prove. Your health is more important."
A third commented on Tyson’s recent performance: "Your knees weren’t there last time — why are we doing this?"
Mike Tyson lost to Jake Paul back in November | GETTY
Others dismissed the announcement outright, with one remarking: "Zero people asked for this," while another suggested they would "pay double to cancel the event."
Tyson, however, defended the decision when speaking to TMZ.
"This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen," he said.
"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 also made clear his view that the exhibition will enhance, rather than diminish, his standing in the sport.
"I’ve been doing this for 30 years and there hasn’t been a single fighter that can tarnish my legacy," he 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.
Floyd Mayweather didn't suffer a single defeat during his professional boxing career
|GETTY
"I’m the best in the business of boxing. This exhibition will give the fans what they want."
The exhibition will not count toward either man’s professional record, but the announcement has already generated significant attention.
Tyson’s previous exhibition against Paul drew more than 100 million viewers worldwide and a repeat could be on the cards.
Whether the fight delivers on its billing or fuels criticism about the risks of older athletes returning to the ring, it is already set to be one of the most discussed sporting events of 2026.