“There are multiple breaches,” said Jas Mathur, CEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, in an interview with FightHype. “He can’t do that fight… it’s a direct breach of this contract.”

At the center of the issue is Mayweather’s planned rematch with Manny Pacquiao, who recently confirmed that rematch fight against Mayweather isn’t an exhibition one, which is reportedly scheduled for September in Las Vegas. While Mayweather has described the bout as an exhibition, Pacquiao’s side insists the agreement is for a professional fight, creating a major disagreement between both camps

Multiple fights create growing tension

The situation becomes more complicated with Mayweather also announcing an exhibition bout against Mike Tyson in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as a separate fight against kickboxing champion Mike Zambidis in June. According to Pacquiao’s team, committing to these additional fights violates the terms of the existing contract.

This puts Mayweather in a difficult position. Moving forward with one event could jeopardize another, especially the highly anticipated rematch with Pacquiao, which is expected to be the most lucrative of the three.

Uncertain path for Mayweather’s 2026 plans

As tensions rise, the possibility of legal action becomes more real if the conflicts are not resolved. The disagreement over whether the Pacquiao fight is an exhibition or a professional bout adds another layer of uncertainty.

For now, Mayweather’s plans remain unclear. What seemed like a straightforward return to the spotlight has turned into a complex situation, where each decision could carry major financial and legal consequences.

“Is that what he’s feeling? But he signed a real fight [smirks]. Yes, the contract that we signed is a real fight. I wouldn’t fight an exhibition. It’s a real fight. That’s the contract that he signed. He has to remember that,” Pacquiao told Fight Hub TV.

After Pacquiao revealed behind-the-scenes issue in Mayweather rematch talks, he also hinted at adjustments for the rematch, stating he has “improved and better strategy compared to the last one” and promised, “This time, no excuse.” The Filipino icon remains confident in his ability to compete at the highest level despite their previous encounter.

Adjustments and mindset for the rematch

Pacquiao’s remarks underline the tension between the fighters’ public narratives. While Mayweather’s camp leaned toward a more controlled exhibition, Pacquiao is framing the fight as a real test of skill, asserting that he has evolved and is fully prepared to face Mayweather again under professional rules.

Stakes and legacy

Beyond the spectacle, the rematch carries historical weight. For Pacquiao, it’s about redemption and legacy, ensuring that the fight is remembered as a genuine contest rather than a performance.

His comments about past bouts, including Ryan Garcia’s win over Mario Barrios, reflect his focus on competition and the seriousness with which he approaches the ring.

Mayweather recently filed a $340 million lawsuit, claiming money is still owed to him from some of his biggest fights. “Money” hasn’t stepped into a ring since his exhibition with John Gotti III in August 2024.

Meanwhile, former kickboxing champion Mike Zambidis announced he’ll fight Mayweather on June 27 in Greece, raising questions about whether Tyson’s long-anticipated bout with Mayweather is still on the table.

Despite the uncertainty, Tyson remains undeterred. When asked by TMZ Sports whether fans will get to see him face Mayweather, the 59-year-old responded:
“Yeah it’s happening. S— yeah it’s happening. You think I’d give that up? I was minding my business, he challenged me.”

Tyson’s fitness boosts his confidence

Tyson says he’s in peak shape and has even dropped a T-shirt size in the process. The former heavyweight champion believes he’s more than ready to step back into the ring against Mayweather.

Conor McGregor has also expressed excitement over the matchup, having spent time with Tyson in Dublin last December. McGregor told Bloody Elbow:
“I’ll tell you what, he [Tyson] won’t lose. I hope it goes ahead, he seems confident it’s going ahead, he’s well up for it.”

Can Tyson still compete against Mayweather?

At 59, Tyson faces the challenge of taking on a nearly 50-year-old Mayweather, who himself hasn’t fought competitively in some time. While McGregor is confident in Tyson, not all fans share that view, questioning whether the fight would carry the same excitement as earlier matchups in boxing history.

The first encounter ended with Mayweather unifying three welterweight titles via unanimous decision, a victory that left many craving a more dramatic showdown. Since then, both fighters have followed different paths, with Pacquiao briefly retiring and Mayweather largely stepping away from professional bouts.

Pacquiao made a notable return in July, battling reigning WBC champion Mario Barrios to a draw. Despite falling short of becoming the oldest world welterweight champion, the Filipino superstar proved he still has the skills and determination to compete at the highest level.

Where could the rematch happen?

When asked by Seconds Out about the potential venue for a rematch, Pacquiao provided a concise answer: “Probably it will happen in Las Vegas.” This suggests negotiations are reaching the final stages, and fans could soon witness a historic showdown in one of boxing’s most iconic cities.

If the fight goes ahead, it would be a professional bout rather than an exhibition, marking Mayweather’s first professional fight in over eight years. This adds an extra layer of excitement and stakes for both fighters and their fans.

Pacquiao shifts focus from Romero to Mayweather

Originally scheduled to face WBA champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero, Pacquiao has now prioritized a rematch with Mayweather. The decision emphasizes his desire to settle the score and provide fans with the long-awaited sequel to one of boxing’s most famous encounters.

Some observers suggested Tyson held back against Paul, citing his age and cautious approach. Rumors swirled online that he may have “taken a dive,” sparking debate about the integrity of the bout.

Tyson has maintained that he wasn’t at his peak against Paul, and he has promised a more focused performance against Mayweather. Now, Tyson’s camp is addressing those claims head-on while providing insight into the status of the Mayweather negotiations.

Were the Jake Paul fight fix rumors true?

Amer Abdallah, a member of Tyson’s camp from the Paul fight, told The Sun: “I’ll tell you the answer is absolutely not. Mike busted his ass five-six days a week in the gym, legitimate sparring partners, legitimate strength and conditioning guys, legitimate nutritionists.”

Abdallah emphasized the effort Tyson put in was extraordinary, even for a younger athlete. He added that the upcoming Mayweather bout is moving forward with serious, professional negotiations: “The discussions with Floyd’s team are very diligent, very structured. The guys that are financing the event are real guys. They put real money up, real deposits. I believe the fight does happen. I really do. I mean, unless something catastrophic happens.”

Tyson vs. Mayweather: A potential spectacle

Tyson, now 59, no longer possesses the physical dominance of his prime, but his name still carries enormous weight in combat sports. His fight with Paul drew 65 million concurrent viewers on Netflix, outpacing even the high-profile Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford matchup.

Fans continue to tune in for Tyson, and a bout with Mayweather would undoubtedly generate massive interest. Promoters remain willing to pay him significant fees to step into the ring, a testament to his enduring legacy. The question now is how long “Iron Mike” can continue competing at such an advanced stage in his career.

Despite the setback, Tyson has embraced the lessons from recent fights and remains committed to delivering an exciting showing in the ring. His third fight since returning to boxing in 2020 against Roy Jones Jr. taught him the importance of staying present and savoring each moment.

In a recent interview with People, Tyson reflected on his career resurgence and the lessons learned from facing younger, active opponents. He remains confident that experience and preparation will pay off in his bout with Mayweather.

What lesson did Tyson take from the Jake Paul fight?

Tyson was candid when asked about his biggest takeaway from the Paul bout. “Just enjoy the moment,” he said. “This moment’s going to be over. Just enjoy it, it doesn’t last forever. I’m just preparing and looking forward. It’s just a wonderful thing that could happen.”

The former undisputed heavyweight champion sees every fight as an opportunity to improve. “It’s going to be really interesting. I can’t believe, since the last time I did this, I’ve fought… What? Two times, going on three times. I’ll do better in the next one,” Tyson added.

Tyson on MMA and purses

Tyson also addressed whether he had ever considered a transition to MMA. “No. Listen, five of the biggest UFC fighters combined couldn’t match my pay. I want to be the biggest fighter, the biggest purse. I want all that stuff. When Mike Tyson fights, he shuts everything down,” he explained.

For Tyson, the focus remains on boxing, maintaining his status as one of the sport’s most dominant draws and delivering performances that captivate fans worldwide.

Back then, Logan squared off against the 50-0 boxing legend in an exhibition that ended in a no-decision after eight rounds. Despite being nearly 35 pounds heavier, Logan struggled to land clean punches against Floyd Mayweather‘s speed and precision, a lesson he now hopes Jake will heed.

“He’s just got to stay locked in the entire fight with Gervonta because this one is going to be tough, I’m telling you. This is what I realized with Floyd, I’m quick when I’m like 190 [pounds]… He’s [Mayweather] so (expletive) hard to hit,” Logan said on his YouTube channel. “I swear to god, that’s the problem with these little guys, they’re so fast.”

Can Jake Paul handle Gervonta Davis’ speed and skill?

The upcoming bout will feature a 195-pound weight limit, leaving a likely size difference between Jake and Davis, who normally competes at 135 pounds. Logan’s advice reflects the challenges of facing smaller, faster opponents in the ring, where speed and agility can neutralize even a heavier fighter’s power.

What’s at stake for Jake Paul and “Tank”?

The fight on November 14 could mark the last time fans see Davis in the ring, as the lightweight champion has floated retirement claims. For Paul, it’s his second fight of the year, and the matchup tests whether he can adjust his style and maintain focus against one of boxing’s quickest athletes. The bout is shaping up as one of the most anticipated exhibitions in recent combat sports history.

The fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford left the boxing world in awe. However, the post fight ramifications have done the same. In fact, the Mexican, who is the only fighter to ever fight both Bud and Floyd Mayweather Jr., made a comparison of the two.

Alvarez said Crawford is “way better” than Mayweather. However, now it’s Crawford the one reacting to this statement. The new champ appeared on the Ariel Helwani Show to speak his mind about this subject.

“[Canelo] was in the ring with both of us. People can say what they want, but he’s actually been in the ring with both of us. One he felt like he was at the best and another where he felt like he was at a disadvantage with a rehydration clause when he was younger,” Crawford said. “I don’t go off of that. Floyd is the best fighter in his era and I feel like I’m the best fighter in my era.”

Canelo fought both in very different contexts

When Canelo fought Mayweather, the overall sentiment is that he was outclassed. Canelo was only 23 when he fought Floyd and he couldn’t hit him. Mayweather was just too good, too smooth, too fast for the Mexican. Another caveat was the rehydration clause for that bout that played in Floyd’s favor.

With Crawford, it was prime vs. prime, no rehydration clause, but Crawford was just too clinical and moved too much for Canelo to be comfortable. The tempo was never the one that the Mexican tried to impose.

If Crawford stays active, he could tie Mayweather

Right now, Crawford’s record is 42-0 with 31 KOs. Floyd retired with an umblemished 50-0 record to his name. Now, Crawford already has more knockouts than Floyd, who had 27.

As for Crawford, he is 37 years old and is eight fights away from Floyd’s record. Now, if Crawford stays active, he could possibly get to the 50-0 mark himself. The quality of opponents is what is in question though. Crawford already beat Canelo and Errol Spence Jr., arguably the best tests he could face. Hence, any future opponent won’t be as highly regarded as his most recent ones.

After being defeated by Jake Paul in November 2024, many fans believed Mike Tyson wouldn’t step back into the ring again. They were proven wrong.

On Thursday, the legendary boxer announced his next challenge. “Iron Mike” will face Floyd Mayweather in 2026 despite the significant weight difference between them.

What is the actual weight class difference between Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather?

The weight gap between Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather is obvious. “Iron Mike” is a natural heavyweight, while “Money” is currently a welterweight.

For his bout against Jake Paul, Mike Tyson was listed at 228.4 pounds. As for Mayweather, his last official weight was 154.3 pounds, highlighting the huge difference between them.

The terms of the fight have not been fully disclosed yet. The only confirmed detail is that it will be an exhibition match, primarily due to the physical differences between the two legends.

Why is the Tyson vs. Mayweather bout going to be an exhibition match?

While Mike Tyson’s fight against Jake Paul was at a professional level, this bout against Mayweather will be an exhibition. The vast weight difference and Mayweather’s desire to protect his perfect record are key factors.

Jake Paul challenged Mayweather multiple times, but the legendary pugilist was only willing to participate in an exhibition. As Paul refused that option, Mayweather found Tyson available and agreed to face him under exhibition rules.

Currently ranked as the third-best boxer in the world by both ESPN and The Ring, Crawford is not only preparing physically but also reflecting on the legends who paved the way before him. In a recent interview, the Nebraska-born champion revealed the fighter he considers the greatest of all time.

And in doing so, Crawford left out iconic names such as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Rocky Marciano, and Joe Louis — instead singling out one modern-era superstar who, in his eyes, stands above the rest.

Crawford’s pick for the best of all time

Speaking with SecondsOut.com, Crawford didn’t hesitate when asked to identify his choice. “In my opinion, the best boxer in history is Floyd Mayweather. His punching was very powerful. Floyd defeated almost all of his opponents during his professional career,” Crawford said.

For a fighter like Crawford, who prides himself on technical mastery and unbeaten stretches, it comes as little surprise that he would select Mayweather — a man whose defensive genius and precision defined an era.

Floyd Mayweather’s unmatched legacy

Mayweather retired with a perfect record of 50-0, a professional career that spanned from 1996 to 2017. Along the way, he defeated an array of all-time greats, including Manny Pacquiao, Canelo Alvarez, and Oscar De La Hoya, cementing his place in history as one of boxing’s most decorated champions.

Beyond the numbers, Mayweather’s impact stretched beyond the ring. His defensive brilliance, financial acumen, and ability to command global attention helped reshape the sport in the modern era. For many — including Terence Crawford — “Money” Mayweather’s legacy remains untouchable.

The 28-year-old from Phoenix, Arizona turned professional in 2013 and has since captured world titles at super-middleweight and light-heavyweight. Benavidez held the WBC super-middleweight championship twice between 2017 and 2020, defeating top contenders such as Anthony Dirrell, Caleb Plant, and Demetrius Andrade during his reign at 168 pounds.

‘The Mexican Monster’ moved up to light-heavyweight last August, where he claimed the WBC interim light-heavyweight title by defeating Oleksandr Gvozdyk. He successfully defended that belt against David Morrell in February before being elevated to full WBC world champion after Dmitry Bivol vacated the title in April. Benavidez is set to make the first defense of his crown later this year against Britain’s Anthony Yarde at the ANB Arena in Riyadh on Saturday, November 22.

Who did Benavidez consider truly unbeatable in their prime?

While Benavidez’s own career continues to gain momentum, he singled out former four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr. as the fighter who was untouchable at his peak. Speaking to ESNEWS, Benavidez was clear in his admiration for Jones’ unique abilities.

“To be honest with you, I feel like in his prime Roy Jones was untouched by anybody just because of his speed, athleticism, everything was just different, you know. People say God-given talent, I feel like Roy Jones at his physical prime, he had God-given talent,” Benavidez said.

The legacy of Roy Jones Jr.

At the height of his powers, Roy Jones Jr. was widely regarded as one of the best fighters in the world. During the 1990s, he defeated some of boxing’s elite, including Mike McCallum, James Toney, and Bernard Hopkins.

Jones spent most of his career competing at super-middleweight and light-heavyweight before making a successful move up to heavyweight in 2003, where he captured the WBA world heavyweight title by dethroning John Ruiz.

Recently, Jones has been linked to a highly anticipated showdown with Floyd Mayweather after a heated social media rivalry, fueling speculation about one of boxing’s most intriguing potential matchups.