LAS VEGAS — Floyd Mayweather says he’s not finished with professional boxing. Nine years after officially retiring with a 50-0 record, Mayweather announced Friday that he will return for a sanctioned professional fight this summer, shortly after his scheduled April 25 exhibition against Mike Tyson.
The comeback will be staged under an exclusive deal with CSI Sports / Fight Sports. An opponent, date, venue and broadcast details are expected in the coming weeks.
In a prepared statement, Mayweather left no doubt about his confidence.
“I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing,” he said. “No one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event than my events.”
Mayweather retired in 2017 after stopping Conor McGregor in one of the most lucrative cross-sport fights in history. Over a 21-year career, he captured world titles in five weight classes and reportedly earned over $1 billion. Since then, he has participated exclusively in exhibition bouts. This summer’s fight, however, is being billed as a true professional return.
The Pacquiao Talks That Fizzled
Mayweather had previously been in discussions for a rematch with Manny Pacquiao in October. Pacquiao stated at the time that the sides were “almost in agreement,” but negotiations ultimately stalled.
Now 49 years old next week, Mayweather is attempting to re-enter a sport that has significantly evolved since his departure. The announcement also arrives amid reports questioning Mayweather’s financial stability. A December Business Insider investigation detailed alleged debt obligations and financial strain despite his estimated $1.15 billion career earnings.
Additionally, Mayweather is currently involved in multiple legal matters:
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A $340 million lawsuit filed against former broadcast partner Showtime over alleged misappropriated funds
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A lawsuit alleging $330,000 in unpaid rent for a Manhattan luxury apartment
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A separate $1.4 million jewelry-related dispute
Shortly after the comeback press release circulated, Mayweather promoted his branded credit card on social media without addressing his return directly.
CSI Sports’ Ambitious Vision
Richard and Craig Miele, co-founders of CSI Sports/Fight Sports, expressed confidence in the partnership.
“Floyd will once again continue to dominate boxing with the biggest audience and highest gross events of all time,” they said in a joint statement.
CSI Sports claims Fight Sports reaches more than 190 countries and distributes in over 80 million U.S. households. The company also controls the global video library rights to HBO World Championship Boxing and USA Tuesday Night Fights, along with archival footage featuring stars such as Mayweather, Tyson and Oscar De La Hoya.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
