A sensational twist: after the exhibition bout against Mike Tyson, already scheduled for this spring, Floyd Mayweather Jr. will end his retirement and return to professional boxing. The American superstar has signed an exclusive deal with CSI Sports and Fight Sports and is expected to fight his first official bout in late summer after a nine-year hiatus.
Here is what Mayweather himself said about his upcoming return in a statement:
“I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing. From my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards, no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event [than] my events.”
Naturally, many are linking the former world champion’s incredible decision to persistent rumors about his financial troubles. Mayweather may have decided to return to the ring solely to avoid bankruptcy, but there are also those willing to bet that Floyd can still have his say, despite being 49 years old and despite his long inactivity.
The welterweight division, moreover, is not going through a particularly glorious period. Aside from WBO world champion Devin Haney, who undoubtedly possesses extraordinary talent and skill, the other belt holders do not display exceptional boxing qualities.
The WBC title is held by Mario Barrios, who is set to face Ryan Garcia tonight in a highly unpredictable clash. The WBA belt belongs to Rolando Romero, a fighter with undeniable power but equally evident technical limitations. The IBF title, meanwhile, is held by British boxer Lewis Crocker, the least highly regarded of the four champions.
Mayweather’s last official professional bout dates back to August 26, 2017. On that night, the American defeated MMA fighter Conor McGregor by tenth-round TKO, in McGregor’s professional boxing debut. That victory, the 50th consecutive win of his career, allowed him to surpass the record of Rocky Marciano.
Since then, Mayweather has taken part in several exhibitions, including one against Logan Paul, brother of the more famous Jake Paul. He has always stayed in training but has not stepped back into the ring for an official professional contest.
If Floyd were to regain a world title at his age and after such a prolonged absence, it would be a historic achievement of enormous significance. However, how competitive the American will prove to be remains, as of today, a mystery.