Floyd Mayweather Jr., the undefeated boxing icon, is planning a return to the professional ring at age 49. The announcement comes just days before his birthday and on the heels of a deal to face Mike Tyson in an exhibition match this spring. Mayweather’s comeback will be promoted through an exclusive agreement with CSI Sports/Fight Sports, a move that signals a new chapter in a career already brimming with records and lucrative paydays.
“I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing,” Mayweather said in a prepared statement. “From my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterward – no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event – then my events.” He intends to continue this partnership with CSI Sports/Fight Sports, his global media partner.
Mayweather initially retired in 2017 after a knockout victory over Conor McGregor, finishing his 21-year professional career with a flawless 50-0 record and championships in five different weight classes. Since then, he has participated in a series of exhibition bouts, including matches against Logan Paul, Mikuru Asakura, and John Gotti III. Prior to agreeing to face Tyson, Mayweather was reportedly in talks for a rematch with Manny Pacquiao in October, though those negotiations ultimately stalled.
The decision to unretire arrives amid reports of financial difficulties for Mayweather, despite having earned an estimated $1.15 billion throughout his boxing career. A December report by Business Insider detailed a “lavish, debt-filled post-boxing life,” outlining several financial issues facing the former champion. He is currently involved in multiple legal battles, including a $340 million lawsuit against his former broadcast partner, Showtime, alleging misappropriated funds. Mayweather is facing separate lawsuits for unpaid rent – totaling $330,000 for a Manhattan apartment – and an outstanding jewelry bill of $1.4 million.
The timing of the announcement was notable. Within minutes of the press release detailing his return, Mayweather promoted his branded credit card on social media, without mentioning his decision to resume his professional boxing career.
CSI Sports/Fight Sports: The New Partnership
Richard and Craig Miele, co-founders of CSI Sports/Fight Sports, expressed confidence in their ability to capitalize on Mayweather’s star power. “Floyd will once again continue to dominate boxing with the biggest audience and highest gross events of all time, and we are proud and privileged to be able to do so with our global team at CSI Sports/Fight Sports,” they said in a joint statement. They anticipate further announcements that will generate excitement among fans and contribute to the growth of the sport in 2026.
CSI Sports/Fight Sports boasts a significant reach, claiming distribution in over 190 countries and access to more than 80 million households in the U.S. Through its branded block. The company also holds the global rights to the video library of HBO World Championship Boxing events and owns the USA Tuesday Night Fights series, acquired from Comcast/NBC Universal. Their content library includes thousands of hours of footage featuring Mayweather, Tyson, and Oscar De La Hoya, among others.
Mayweather vs. Tyson: Setting the Stage
The upcoming exhibition match between Mayweather and Tyson, initially scheduled for February but reset for April 25 in the Congo, is a key component of this new partnership. https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/WB5IfzIkpwA" title="YouTube Video " loading="lazy" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" class="h-full w-full" data-ot-ignore="true The event is expected to draw a substantial global audience, and Mayweather believes it will pave the way for his return to professional boxing.
While the details of Mayweather’s next professional fight – including his opponent, date, and venue – remain undisclosed, CSI Sports/Fight Sports is expected to announce these details in the coming weeks. The company aims to leverage its extensive content library and global distribution network to maximize the event’s reach and revenue.
A Complex Financial Picture
The timing of Mayweather’s return also raises questions about his financial situation. While he amassed a fortune during his boxing career, reports suggest he has faced financial challenges in recent years. The lawsuits and financial scrutiny add another layer of complexity to his decision to re-enter the ring. The financial implications of his new deal with CSI Sports/Fight Sports and the potential earnings from future fights will be closely watched.
The boxing world now awaits further details regarding Mayweather’s next opponent and the specifics of his return to professional competition. The announcement has already generated significant buzz, and the industry will be closely monitoring how this new chapter unfolds for the undefeated champion.
The next step in Mayweather’s comeback will be the announcement of his next professional opponent, date, and venue, details which CSI Sports/Fight Sports plans to reveal in the coming weeks. Fans and industry observers alike will be watching closely as the details emerge.
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