(VIDEO) Mike Tyson, Nearing 60, Trains for High-Profile 2026 Exhibition Against Floyd Mayweather

Boxing legend Mike Tyson is back in the gym and sounding confident as he prepares for a much-anticipated exhibition bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in spring 2026, insisting the clash will be “the biggest event in boxing” even as he approaches his 60th birthday and juggles new ventures in amateur boxing and public health advocacy.

Tyson, who turns 60 on June 30, has repeatedly confirmed the exhibition with the undefeated Mayweather, with reports pointing to a tentative date of April 25, 2026, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The matchup, promoted by CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS, would pit two of the sport’s most iconic figures against each other for the first time, generating massive global interest despite both men being well past their primes.

In a recent exclusive interview, Tyson expressed excitement about the fight while acknowledging lessons from his November 2024 loss to Jake Paul. “I feel good right now. This is the best I’ve felt,” he said, adding that he trained too intensely for the Paul bout and plans to relax more this time. “I learned from my last fight. I left a lot of my fight in the gym.”

The 59-year-old former undisputed heavyweight champion has dismissed any notion of backing out. When asked about rumors the Mayweather fight might be canceled, Tyson replied bluntly: “Yeah it’s happening. You think I’d give that up?” He has described the event as record-breaking and previously floated Africa as the venue, though organizers have not finalized all details.

Mayweather, 48 and still boasting a perfect 50-0 professional record, has signaled he will treat the Tyson exhibition as a bridge back toward sanctioned bouts, having signed with CSI Sports for future professional activity. The fight is expected to follow exhibition rules with larger gloves and limited rounds, similar to Tyson’s Netflix clash with Paul.

Beyond the ring, Tyson is expanding his influence. He recently announced plans for a series of amateur boxing events in 2026, starting at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas and expanding to Reno and other locations. The card will air on Don King’s platform beginning at 9 p.m. Eastern on Saturdays, with streaming on Swerve TV and CSI Fight Sports. Tyson said the events aim to give young fighters opportunities and help “save the sport of boxing.”

He is also stepping up as a health advocate. In February 2026, Tyson joined U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other officials at a “Make America Healthy Again” event, speaking candidly about his family’s struggles with obesity and ultraprocessed foods. Tyson lost a sister to obesity-related illness at age 25 and has vowed to fight what he calls America’s worst addiction. He appeared in a Super Bowl ad promoting the cause and continues to emphasize nutrition and wellness.

Tyson has been open about past and ongoing health issues. A severe ulcer flare-up in 2024 forced the postponement of his original Paul fight, causing significant weight loss and a medical scare in which he said he “lost half my blood” and “almost died.” He has also battled persistent foot fungus for years, a condition he attributes to his sockless fighting image. Despite these challenges, Tyson insists he feels strong and is training seriously for the Mayweather exhibition.

Financial motivation remains a factor. Tyson has acknowledged that money drives his continued activity at an advanced age, telling interviewers the exhibition paydays help secure his family’s future. Yet he frames the Mayweather fight as more than business — a chance to create a spectacle that transcends generations and captivates new audiences.

The boxing world remains divided on the wisdom of the matchup. Critics worry about the risks to Tyson’s health at nearly 60, while supporters see it as harmless entertainment that could draw record viewership and boost the sport’s visibility. Tyson has floated the idea of a rematch with Jake Paul after the Mayweather bout, saying he would be “more adapted” with additional experience.

Tyson is also returning to the stage. His new one-man show, “Return of the Mike,” will debut at Hard Rock Live venues in late 2025 before a global streaming release in 2026. The production follows his successful 2013 tour “Mike Tyson: The Undisputed Truth” and promises fresh stories from his storied life.

In interviews, Tyson has praised emerging talents while positioning himself as a bridge between boxing’s past and future. He continues to train young fighters and promote amateur events, saying he wants to give back to a sport that made him famous and infamous.

As preparations for the Mayweather exhibition intensify, Tyson appears energized. He has posted glimpses of gym work and spoken optimistically about his conditioning. Whether the April 2026 date in Africa holds or shifts, the bout is already generating buzz as a “legend versus legend” spectacle.

For a man once known as “The Baddest Man on the Planet,” the coming year blends nostalgia, ambition and reinvention. Tyson’s 40-year boxing record could face new scrutiny if he steps back into a competitive environment, yet he shows little sign of slowing down.

Fans and analysts will watch closely as training footage emerges and details solidify. In the meantime, Tyson’s amateur events, health advocacy and stage work ensure the former champion remains a commanding presence both inside and outside the ropes.

At nearly 60, “Iron Mike” is still swinging — in the gym, on stage and in the public conversation — proving that some legends refuse to fade quietly.