Mike Tyson to fight Floyd Mayweather without weight limit in Congo exhibition
Former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson will face Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition bout in the Congo next month without a weight limit.
The 59-year-old revealed the unusual condition for the highly anticipated clash against the former multi-weight world champion.
Despite no official date being announced, the pair are expected to meet in the ring in the coming weeks.
Tyson claims the bout will be staged in the very same ring that hosted Muhammad Ali’s legendary ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ victory over George Foreman in 1974.
Injury concerns and catchweight rules
Speaking on the Ariel Helwani Show, the former heavyweight king confirmed the open-weight nature of the contest.
“It’s just free fighting, catchweight, everything,” Tyson said.
The veteran fighter also revealed he is currently managing an injury after being spotted wearing a cast.
“It’s just a little sprain. I’ve got to go hard. It’s the only way I know how to go,” he added.
Frustration with modern boxing
Tyson last competed in a professional bout against Jake Paul in 2024.
The Brooklyn-born legend admitted this upcoming exhibition against the 49-year-old Mayweather could be his final appearance in the ring.
However, he used the opportunity to express his frustration with the inactivity of contemporary professional boxers.
“This is what fighters should be thinking right now about me. ‘How can this guy be 60 years old and break all the records?’ They should be disappointed with themselves,” he stated.
He criticised the current generation for fighting infrequently, arguing that regular competition is essential for building a legacy.
“They fight once or twice a year. No one knows who they are. They need to have a story behind them.”
Legacy and final ambitions
Mayweather retired from professional boxing with a perfect 50-0 record but has regularly participated in lucrative exhibitions worldwide.
Tyson remains confident in his enduring appeal and drawing power despite his advancing years.
“I want to compete against people. I want to know who the biggest draw in the history of the world is,” he concluded.
“I want to see if anyone is bigger than me. My talent speaks for itself.”
