Boxing icons Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Mike Tyson are slated for an exhibition contest in Africa, reigniting a storied venue with a modern spectacle. This match-up, scheduled for April 25, 2026, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, harks back to the legendary 'Rumble in the Jungle.' Both fighters bring a legacy of dominance and recent exhibition experience to this highly anticipated event.
The upcoming exhibition bout between boxing greats Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. is generating considerable buzz. Set to unfold in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this event promises to be a significant moment in the sports world. The choice of Kinshasa, a city with deep historical ties to monumental boxing events, adds an extra layer of intrigue and anticipation, evoking memories of past legendary clashes. This return to a site synonymous with iconic fights underscores the promoters' ambitions to create a truly memorable experience for fans globally.
Historic Clash in Kinshasa
The boxing world is abuzz with reports confirming an upcoming exhibition match between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Mike Tyson. The proposed location for this high-profile event is the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically Kinshasa, with a tentative date set for April 25, 2026. This venue holds historical significance as the site of the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle" in 1974, a heavyweight championship bout featuring Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. The decision to host Mayweather and Tyson in Kinshasa aims to evoke the grandeur and historical resonance of that iconic fight, drawing parallels between past and present boxing spectacles. This choice also highlights a deliberate effort to stage significant international sporting events in Africa, bringing global attention to the continent's rich athletic history.
The selection of Kinshasa as the host city is not merely coincidental; it's a strategic move to capitalize on the city's storied boxing past. The "Rumble in the Jungle" remains one of the most celebrated fights in history, and by returning to this hallowed ground, the organizers hope to imbue the Mayweather-Tyson exhibition with a similar sense of historical gravitas and cultural importance. Both fighters, despite being in the later stages of their careers, continue to command immense public interest, and their presence in a venue of such historical magnitude is expected to draw massive viewership and attendance. This event signifies more than just a boxing match; it's a cultural happening, a nod to the past, and a forward-looking statement about the global reach of combat sports.
Fighters' Recent Appearances and Expectations
Mike Tyson, at 59 years old, most recently stepped into the ring against Jake Paul in a globally streamed Netflix event on November 15, 2024. Despite losing that eight-round bout by unanimous decision, Tyson's participation showcased his enduring appeal and willingness to engage in high-profile exhibition contests. His last professional victory dates back to February 22, 2003, against Clifford Etienne. Floyd "Money" Mayweather, 48, has maintained an active exhibition schedule since his undefeated retirement from professional boxing in August 2017 after defeating MMA star Conor McGregor. His most recent exhibition was against John Gotti III on August 24, 2024, marking his eighth such appearance since officially retiring. These recent outings highlight both fighters' continued presence in the public eye and their capacity to draw significant attention to any event they partake in.
The announcement of the Mayweather-Tyson clash, initially made in September 2025, faced some initial uncertainty due to conflicting reports, including a separate potential match for Mayweather against Mike Zambidis in Athens, Greece. However, Tyson himself confirmed the upcoming fight with TMZ, stating, "Yeah, that's happening. You think I'd give that up? I was minding my business, he challenged me!" This confirmation from "Iron Mike" solidified the exhibition's likelihood and ignited fan excitement. Both fighters have consistently demonstrated their ability to generate massive pay-per-view numbers and media coverage through these exhibition matches. Their continued readiness to compete, even in non-professional bouts, underscores their lasting legacies and their unique ability to capture the public's imagination, promising an electrifying event that transcends traditional boxing. The forthcoming contest is anticipated to be a major spectacle, blending athletic prowess with entertainment value.