Tyson Set To Box Mayweather In Congo

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Feb 17, 2026 3:17 AM ET

Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have reportedly agreed to box on April 25, 2026, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The news puts an end to doubts that the fight would not happen. Tyson, 59, personally dispelled rumors of a cancellation. When asked if the mega-event was still on track, “Iron Mike” was characteristically blunt: “Sh*t yeah it’s happening. You think I’d give that up? I was minding my business—he challenged me!”

The momentum for the fight in Africa first began in December 2025, when Tyson teased the location during a live fan event. The timeline was further confirmed this week by Mobutu Nzanga Ngbangawe, the Vice Premier Minister of Congo, who noted the event would honor boxing’s global legacy exactly 52 years after Ali’s over George Foreman.

Very happy to hear the great news from @MikeCoppinger of @RingMagazine that boxing legends @MikeTyson and @FloydMayweather
will face off in an exhibition match on April 25th in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, honoring the legacy of the Rumble in the Jungle 52 years later! pic.twitter.com/DzJ7EfK7Qz
— Mobutu Nzanga Ngbangawe (@NzangaMobutu) February 16, 2026

The announcement comes at a busy time for the 49-year-old Floyd Mayweather. While the Tyson exhibition is now the focal point for April, Mayweather has already signed on for another international fight. Mayweather is scheduled to face kickboxing champion Mike Zambidis at the OAKA Olympic Complex in Athens, Greece, on June 27. The Congo bout will mark Mayweather’s ninth exhibition appearance since retiring from professional competition with a perfect 50-0 record.

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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