Boxing fans now have a confirmed date for a highly anticipated exhibition match between Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. The two legends are scheduled to meet on April 25 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The event was previously teased by Tyson as a potential March showdown somewhere in Africa. With the location and date now set, excitement is building for a matchup that has been discussed for years.
The fight brings together two of the most recognized names in boxing from the past four decades. Promoters first mentioned the idea last year but offered no details on when or where it would happen. Until now, fans were left guessing about the rules or what weight class might be used for the exhibition.
Choosing the Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly known as Zaire, is a direct link to boxing history. The country was the site of the legendary 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle,” where Muhammad Ali used his rope-a-dope strategy to defeat George Foreman. That event, promoted by Don King, drew global attention to the city of Kinshasa. Organizers of the Tyson-Mayweather bout are hoping to capture some of that same energy.
Mike Tyson, now 59, has retired from professional boxing for years but remains a major figure in pop culture. He proved his lasting appeal in November 2024, when his exhibition with social media star Jake Paul drew more than 100 million viewers.
Floyd Mayweather, who will turn 49 soon, ended his professional career in 2017 with a stoppage win over Conor McGregor. That victory kept his perfect record intact at 50-0, a run that saw him win titles in five different weight classes, up to 154 pounds. Since retiring, Mayweather has stayed active in exhibition bouts, setting the stage for this meeting with Tyson.
The April event promises to be a unique clash between two stars from different eras of the sport.