Speaking to FightHype, De La Hoya made it clear that a comeback would only make sense in the context of a major rematch with Mayweather. “I am a fighter. I will always be a fighter. If Mayweather beats Pacquiao, Floyd, you owe me a rematch! Let’s go!” he said, according to the outlet.

The comments come as the boxing world has again shifted attention toward past rivalries, with Manny Pacquiao recently returning to the ring in a high-profile bout that ended in a draw.

His comeback has also revived earlier narratives, including how Pacquiao challenged Mayweather’s GOAT claim before renewed talk of a rematch. Pacquiao’s return has also reopened discussions about legacy fights involving Mayweather, keeping interest alive in boxing’s most iconic matchups.

De La Hoya revisits rivalry with Mayweather

De La Hoya previously faced Mayweather in 2007, losing via split decision in a bout for the WBC super-lightweight title. Despite the official result, De La Hoya has long maintained that he believed he should have won the fight, a sentiment that continues to fuel his interest in a potential rematch.

Mayweather, who retired with a 50-0 record, remains one of the sport’s most dominant defensive fighters. Any renewed meeting between the two would carry historical weight, given their role in shaping boxing’s modern era.

Legacy fights continue to shape boxing narrative

While De La Hoya has not committed to an actual return, his remarks highlight how legacy-driven matchups continue to dominate boxing conversations. With Mayweather and Pacquiao still central figures in potential exhibition or comeback discussions, interest in past rivalries remains strong.

For now, De La Hoya’s focus remains on promoting, but his comments leave the door open, at least conditionally, for one of boxing’s most talked-about rivalries to be revisited.

Mayweather revealed the details on social media, stating: “IT’S OFFICIAL. June 27 – Athens, Greece. History will be made. I’m stepping in the ring with Mike Zambidis. One night. One stage. An all-out bout you don’t want to miss.” The announcement confirms his next appearance before any potential meeting with Pacquiao.

The matchup adds another chapter to Mayweather’s post-retirement exhibition career, with the 47-year-old remaining active in the ring despite stepping away from professional competition nearly a decade ago. Meanwhile, questions continue to surround the exact format of his anticipated fight with Pacquiao.

Mayweather stays active amid uncertainty over Pacquiao bout

The planned rematch between Mayweather and Pacquiao has generated major attention since its announcement, but confusion remains over whether it will be a professional contest or an exhibition. Although Pacquiao has stated that the fight against Mayweather isn’t an exhibition.

While negotiations and expectations continue to evolve, Mayweather’s scheduled exhibition allows him to maintain activity and timing ahead of a possible return to one of boxing’s most anticipated rivalries.

Zambidis fight adds momentum to Mayweather’s 2026 schedule

Mike Zambidis, a decorated kickboxing veteran, will serve as Mayweather’s opponent in June. Although Zambidis has limited professional boxing experience, the bout is expected to draw attention due to his striking pedigree and Mayweather’s global profile.

As the boxing world awaits clarity on the Pacquiao situation, Mayweather’s upcoming exhibition ensures his name remains central in ongoing discussions about one of the sport’s most high-profile rivalries.

Pacquiao suggested that Mayweather‘s legacy should be viewed differently when compared to his own career achievements. “He’s a self-proclaimed GOAT. He cannot claim that he’s the only undefeated fighter who retired. There’s at least more than 15 fighters that retired undefeated,” Pacquiao said in an interview with Inside the Ring.

The renewed attention comes more than a decade after their first bout, with both fighters now well past their primes at ages 47 and 49. While neither is expected to replicate their peak form, the rematch has reignited discussions about legacy, dominance, and where each fighter truly stands in boxing history, especially as Mayweather faces contract conflicts that could impact Pacquiao rematch.

Pacquiao highlights multi-division success in GOAT debate

Pacquiao pointed to his unique accomplishments as a key argument in the ongoing debate over boxing’s greatest fighter. His career includes world titles across eight weight divisions, a record unmatched in the sport.

“But I can claim [that I’m] the only eight-division world champion in history,” Pacquiao said, adding that he is also the only fighter to win world titles across four different decades.

Legacy discussion continues ahead of high-profile rematch

Mayweather’s unbeaten 50-0 record remains one of the most recognized achievements in boxing history, placing him among an elite group of undefeated champions. However, Pacquiao’s résumé and longevity continue to fuel arguments in his favor among boxing fans and analysts.

As both icons prepare to share the ring once again, the conversation surrounding their legacies is expected to intensify, adding another chapter to one of boxing’s most debated rivalries.

Provodnikov revealed that preparations had already been made for a potential bout with Pacquiao, even though the originally scheduled exhibition was postponed. “It’s disappointing that the fight won’t take place in April, but I’m hopeful it will happen in June. I really hope so, and I believe it,” Provodnikov told World Boxing News. “We’ve prepared everything. As soon as they give the go-ahead, I’ll pack my bag and be ready to fly to America with my team.”

The uncertainty comes as Pacquiao, who recently said that Mayweather rematch isn’t an exhibition, continues to be linked to a high‑profile showdown reportedly planned for September in Las Vegas. However, the nature of that potential fight remains unclear, with conflicting reports over whether it will be sanctioned as a professional bout or staged as an exhibition.

Provodnikov pushes for return against Pacquiao

Provodnikov, known as the “Siberian Rocky,” retired from professional boxing with a record of 25 wins, 18 by knockout, and 5 losses. The matchup had been viewed as a tune‑up opportunity for Pacquiao as he looks to stay active ahead of any major return to high‑level competition.

Mayweather rematch plans still face uncertainty

Meanwhile, Mayweather, who retired with a perfect professional record of 50 wins, 27 by knockout, and 0 losses, faces contract conflict that could impact the Manny Pacquiao rematch. The structure and number of those bouts remain unclear.

With both Pacquiao and Mayweather exploring different ways to stay active ahead of the scheduled bout, any interim fights could still play a role in shaping preparation and the buildup to one of boxing’s most high-profile events.

Benavidez did not hold back when addressing the situation, making his stance clear in a recent interview. “He’s scared – he has no (expletive). That’s what it is. I give Canelo all the respect… but at the end of the day, I was the No.1 contender in two weight classes for a long, long time,” he said on Come And Talk 2 Me, expressing frustration over missed opportunities.

The tension comes as Canelo continues to pursue high-level bouts, including a planned return in September for a world title fight in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Benavidez has moved divisions and is preparing for his own major challenge, adding further uncertainty to whether this long-discussed matchup will ever take place.

Benavidez questions missed opportunity at super-middleweight

For years, Benavidez pushed for a fight with Canelo while competing at 168 pounds, positioning himself as a top contender. “It’s really a shame because this is a fight everybody wants to see. This is a fight that the fans deserve,” Benavidez added, reinforcing the belief that the matchup was overlooked during a key window.

Future uncertainty clouds potential superfight

As both fighters continue their careers on separate paths, the chances of the fight happening appear increasingly uncertain. Benavidez is now set to face unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez, a move that could further distance him from a clash with Canelo.

Still, the possibility has not been entirely ruled out. “I believe in myself and my skills 100%, so… why not give the fans what they want to see?” Benavidez said, leaving the door open for a future meeting under the right conditions.

When asked about the negotiations between Pacquiao and Mayweather, Paul was firm in his stance. “This is the problem with boxing, people in the sport who aren’t professional, it makes us all look bad. There are so many egos. People think that they’re bigger or better than they are multiple times.”

Paul also slammed the multiple shenanigans that can stall or taint fighting negotiations. “It all comes down to things like ring size, what shoes you can wear, what gloves you can use. It’s like, stop and just fight.”

Mayweather vs Pacquiao II would be a massive event despite age

Arguably the best two boxers of the 21st century, Mayweather and Pacquiao faced each other past their primes, and way too late. It was also a controversial bout that Mayweather won by decision. Pacquiao fought with a torn rotator cuff, which he disclosed after the fight.

The bout was on May, 2015 and people always thought that a rematch with both healthy would be a sure fight. It never came to fruition. Now, with both fighters very aged, it would still be a massive event given the names implicated.

Will it be an exhibition or a professional bout?

That’s been one of the holdouts. Mayweather wanted it to be an exhibition, while Pacquiao wanted a pro fight. At first, it was announced as a professional bout, but Mayweather insists it isn’t. As of now, the fight is scheduled for September 19th, 2026.

The venue is also yet to be confirmed. At first, it was going to take place in The Sphere in Las Vegas. However, that hasn’t been set in stone either. It remains to be seen if the fight is going to actually take place, but for now, it’s a tug of war between both sides.

Tyson’s advisor, Amer Abdallah, addressed the situation and made it clear that no official agreement is in place. “No, that is not definitely happening. It is pending a lot of different things… there is nothing definite, guaranteed, concrete,” Abdallah said in an interview with Boxing King Media.

The update comes after initial reports linked the exhibition to a possible event in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, ongoing logistical and contractual hurdles, along with Mayweather’s other potential commitments, have cast serious doubt on whether the fight will materialize.

Talks exist, but no deal in place yet

While discussions between both sides have taken place, Abdallah emphasized that the process is still in an early stage. “Was there talks? Is there discussions? Of course there is,” he said. “It will be up to the promoter to finalize those things.”

He also suggested that time could play a factor in Tyson’s decision. “The longer that this thing plays out, maybe Mike will just say, ‘I just don’t want to do this anymore’,” Abdallah added. That uncertainty leaves the proposed exhibition in limbo, with no confirmed date, venue, or formal agreement between the camps.

Mayweather’s schedule adds more uncertainty

Adding to the situation, Mayweather has been linked to other exhibition bouts, including potential matchups with fighters like Manny Pacquiao and Mike Zambidis. However, those events have also faced complications due to legal and contractual issues.

As a result, the possibility of a Tyson-Mayweather exhibition remains unclear. While the idea still carries significant interest given the global appeal of both fighters, there are multiple obstacles that need to be resolved before any official announcement can be made. For now, the fight remains more of a concept than a confirmed event.

Speaking to Box Azteca, Canelo made it clear that his focus is on facing the best available opponent. “Right now, [the opponent is] what we’re looking at… let’s see who’s the best, but always choosing the best, and above all, that he’s a champion,” he said.

After receiving a warning from Christian Mbilli’s camp, the 35‑year‑old is coming off elbow surgery following his loss to Crawford, who moved up in weight to beat him by unanimous decision before retiring shortly after. Now fully back in training, Canelo has expressed confidence in both his health and his preparation ahead of his return.

Canelo prioritizes health before comeback

Canelo admitted that delaying his return was necessary to properly address lingering injuries. “I wish I were just days away from fighting, but I had to take care of my body… I gave myself that time to address the injuries I had, and it’s worth it,” he explained.

The upcoming fight will headline a major event titled “Mexico Against the World”, expected to feature several top fighters from the country. For Canelo, the goal is not just to return, but to immediately compete at the highest level.

Mbilli emerges as leading opponent option

While no opponent has been officially announced, Christian Mbilli is widely seen as the frontrunner. The newly elevated WBC super-middleweight champion is a natural option, especially with no mandatory challenger standing in the way.

Other champions could also enter the picture depending on how the division unfolds in the coming weeks. Jose Armando Resendiz holds the WBA title, Osleys Iglesias recently captured the IBF belt, and the WBO title will soon be decided between Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic.

With multiple belts now spread across the division, Canelo’s path back to the top is clear. His message is just as direct, he wants the best available champion, and he wants to prove he still belongs at the top.

Makhmudov was, by all means, a tune-up fight for Tyson Fury. After the win, it’s all set up for Fury to fight with Anthony Joshua in what would be the biggest British bout of all time, and one of the best heavyweight collisions in history.

Fury and Joshua have been atop of heavyweight boxing for more than a decade, yet they have never crossed paths, until now. Joshua’s attendance was to set up the first step of the bout, which is start to build it.

Fury couldn’t finish Makhmudov, but dominated the whole fight

As usual, Fury gave away the first round with the goal of studying what Makhmudov would bring to the table. After that, Fury toyed with Makhmudov relying on his speed, accuracy, and simply outboxing Makhmudov.

Makhmudov has not much to his arsenal. He threw haymakers without much set up, and Fury saw them come from yesterday. Hence, he evaded and punished. The judges’ scorecards showed Fury winning by 120-108, 120-108, 119-109.

Joshua vs Fury will be an absolute spectacle

Not only are they both top-tier heavyweights, they are two huge stars. Both mainstream media and boxing hardcore fans will be appealed by this bout. It will actually paralyze the boxing scene. After the fight, Fury and Joshua exchanged some friendly-yet-competitive words between them at ringside.

Speaking on the CryptoMikli podcast, Jake Paul was questioned about who would win a boxing match between him and his brother, and he didn’t hesitate to make it clear that he thinks he would win without any problem.

“In boxing, I would beat him pretty easily,” Jake said. “I think he would probably agree, but I think he would think it would be closer. He would last like two rounds with me in boxing, maybe three.”

An MMA bout may have a different outcome

As Jake Paul has yet to find a boxing opponent following his loss to Anthony Joshua, he has been linked to mixed martial arts, with rumors of a bout against Oleksandr Usyk recently gaining significant traction.

However, Jake Paul is also aware of his limitations, and MMA is not currently one of his strengths. The “Problem Child” confessed that if he were ever to face Logan in an octagon, he would likely lose due to his brother’s superior wrestling experience.

“In MMA, I think he would actually have the advantage because he is really good at wrestling, and he can do like the splits, so I’m pretty sure he could kick me in the head. Like, he can kick high,” the influencer added.

Is Jake Paul’s boxing career over?

Last year, Jake Paul took on his biggest challenge to date by facing Anthony Joshua. The British champion defeated the YouTuber decisively, breaking his jaw in the sixth round to secure a knockout victory.

Following that defeat, rumors circulated about Paul potentially retiring from the ring. Nevertheless, he has stated that the loss taught him to prepare more rigorously for every fight, hinting that his career in the sport is far from over.

Speaking after a recent title fight, promoter Camille Estephan delivered a bold statement regarding a possible clash. “Canelo will hopefully fight Christian [Mbilli]. He seems to want the WBC title. We’re not gonna give it to him. We will beat him,” he said, according to Boxing News, reinforcing the belief within the team.

Mbilli, who was elevated to WBC champion earlier this year, has quickly become one of the division’s central figures. With multiple belts now vacant or changing hands, the path toward an undisputed champion is wide open, and Mbilli’s camp wants to control it.

Mbilli’s camp aims to take over the division

Estephan didn’t stop at a single challenge. He outlined a broader plan for dominance, suggesting that Mbilli and stablemate Osleys Iglesias could collect all the belts in the division.

“We want to have all the titles in Quebec, all five, soon enough… We are gonna get all the other titles,” he added. The message reflects a long-term vision that goes beyond just one fight, positioning Mbilli as a future face of the division.

This approach also signals a shift in narrative. Instead of waiting for opportunities, Mbilli’s team is actively calling out top names and pushing for the biggest fights available.

Canelo fight looms as defining moment

A potential fight with Canelo remains one of the most anticipated matchups in boxing. The Mexican star is looking to rebound after his loss to Crawford and is expected to return in a high-stakes bout later this year.

Meanwhile, other titles are still in play, with fighters like Jose Armando Resendiz, Jaime Munguia, and Hamzah Sheeraz competing for remaining belts. However, Mbilli’s camp has made its stance clear: they are ready for anyone—and confident they will come out on top.