Boxing legends Mike Tyson, 59, and Floyd Mayweather. 48, have officially agreed to face each other in an exhibition boxing match scheduled for 2026. This highly anticipated 'Spring showdown,' reportedly organized by CSI Sports/Fight Sports, comes with a significant buzz, though details regarding the exact date and location are yet to be confirmed.

Both icons, with a combined age of 107 and career earnings estimated at £1.5 billion, have signed contracts for the bout, which Tyson himself confirmed via Instagram, expressing his disbelief and concern for Mayweather's health, stating, "This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen... It's going to be detrimental to his health, but he wants to do it, so it's signed and it's happening!"

Photo Credit: Times of India

The announcement has reignited discussions among boxing fans and critics, who perceive these events as a means to tap into deep pockets and nostalgia. Mayweather, known as 'Money' and 'Pretty Boy Floyd,' retired professionally with an unbeaten 50-0 record, having last fought professionally against UFC king Conor McGregor in 2017. His last stoppage victory dates back to 2007 againstRicky Hatton.

Since his professional retirement, Mayweather has participated in other exhibition bouts, including one against Logan Paul. He expressed confidence in his enduring legacy, stating, "I've been doing this for 30 years and there hasn't been a single fighter that can tarnish my legacy... This exhibition will give the fans what they want."

Conversely, Mike Tyson, 'Iron Mike,' has had a more tumultuous post-retirement exhibition career. His last 'semi-impressive' professional win was arguably against Frans Botha in 1999. More recently, he featured in a 'farce' against fellow icon. in 2020, where he was described as a 'ghost of his former greatness.' Last year, Tyson faced Jake Paul in another 'big-money freak show,' an event that saw him suffer a ruptured ulcer and struggle against his younger foe.

Despite drawing 108 million viewers, that bout was widely criticized, with observers noting 'barely a meaningful punch being thrown.' Health concerns for Tyson are prominent, especially considering his recent struggles and personal losses, including the death of his four-year-old daughter in 2009.

Photo Credit: Daily Mail

Critics argue that these 'celebrity fighting events,' or 'MisFits influencer shows,' are less about competitive boxing and more about entertainment and financial gain, often described as a 'ploy to trick, rather than treat, fight fans.' There is a sentiment that these events fail to genuinely entice a new generation to the 'noble art' of boxing, instead often resulting in 'ugly scenes out of the ring and dull or unfair events inside the ropes' involving participants like 'pornographic actors, controversial pranksters and failed MMA fighters.'

The upcoming Tyson-Mayweather clash, while highly publicized, is not expected to count towards their professional records, further cementing its status as an exhibition rather than a competitive bout. While acknowledging the fighters' past contributions and personal struggles, many advocate that fans should be discerning with their hard-earned money and hope for promoters and broadcasters to 'up their game' beyond these 'stinkers.'