Boxing legends Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have reportedly agreed a provisional date and location for a high-profile exhibition bout, with Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo earmarked to host the event on 25 April 2026.
Reports suggest the proposed venue carries deep historical significance. Kinshasa — formerly part of Zaire — staged the iconic ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ in 1974, where Muhammad Ali famously defeated George Foreman to reclaim the heavyweight championship in one of boxing’s most celebrated contests.
Tyson, 59, last competed in November 2024 in a widely publicised bout against Jake Paul, an eight-round contest that ended in a unanimous decision defeat. The former undisputed heavyweight champion holds a professional record of 50 wins, seven losses and two no contests, but has not secured a victory since his 2003 win over Clifford Etienne.
Mayweather, 48, retired from professional boxing with a perfect 50–0 record following his 2017 victory over former UFC champion Conor McGregor. Since then, he has remained active in exhibition bouts, most recently facing John Gotti III in August 2024 — his eighth exhibition appearance since retirement.
Initial discussions surrounding a Tyson–Mayweather exhibition surfaced in September 2025, though concrete details were scarce. Speculation over the bout’s viability intensified when Mayweather was linked to a separate exhibition against Mike Zambidis scheduled for 27 June in Athens, Greece.
However, Tyson appeared to confirm his willingness to proceed. “Yeah, that’s happening. You think I’d give that up? I was minding my business, he challenged me!” Tyson said in an interview with TMZ.
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
