Mayweather to fight Zambidis in exhibition ahead of Pacquiao rematch
Floyd Mayweather will face kickboxer Mike Zambidis in an exhibition contest in Athens this June as a warm-up for his professional return against Manny Pacquiao.
The 49-year-old American is set to end his retirement to meet his long-time Filipino rival in a licensed bout in Las Vegas this September.
Before that lucrative rematch, the five-weight world champion will travel to Greece for a spectacle against Zambidis.
“2026 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for me,” Mayweather said.
“Europe, I’m on the way to entertain.”
Zambidis bout precedes Las Vegas return
Zambidis, known as ‘Iron Mike’, is a 45-year-old former kickboxing champion who retired from his primary discipline over a decade ago.
The Greek fighter briefly competed in professional boxing in 2019 but has been largely inactive since.
Mayweather’s return to the paid ranks will mark the fourth time he has reversed a decision to retire.
The defensive master last fought professionally in 2017, stopping UFC star Conor McGregor to extend his perfect record to 50-0.
Fourth retirement reversal for Pacquiao clash
His first encounter with Pacquiao in 2015 remains the richest fight in history, generating record gate receipts of £53.1m.
That bout also set an all-time pay-per-view record with 4.6 million buys, despite criticism regarding the excitement levels of the contest.
The veteran superstars are scheduled to meet again at the Sphere on 19 September, 11 years after their initial meeting.
