Floyd Mayweather Jr., the undefeated boxing icon, is planning a return to the ring with an exhibition bout against veteran Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis in June 2026, before a highly anticipated rematch against Manny Pacquiao slated for September 19th in Las Vegas. This announcement adds another chapter to Mayweather’s post-retirement career, which has been marked by a series of exhibition fights and now, a return to professional boxing against a familiar foe.
The upcoming fight with Pacquiao, set to take place at the Sphere in Las Vegas and broadcast live on Netflix, represents a significant event in the boxing world. Their first encounter in 2015, billed as the “Fight of the Century,” generated an estimated £445 million in revenue, becoming the richest fight in boxing history. The National News reports that the rematch will offer fans a chance to witness a renewed rivalry between two of the sport’s biggest names.
Mayweather Prepares for Pacquiao with Kickboxing Challenge
To prepare for the professional boxing match against Pacquiao, Mayweather, 49, will face Mike Zambidis, 45, in an exhibition fight in Athens, Greece, this June. Mayweather announced the bout on Instagram, stating, “2026 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for me. I’m on the way to entertain!! Athens, Greece… Acquire Ready For An All Out Exhibition. This summer will be a legendary battle.” This exhibition serves as a tune-up for Mayweather, allowing him to stay active and sharpen his skills before facing Pacquiao in a professional setting where his perfect 50-0 record will be on the line.
Zambidis brings a formidable kickboxing record to the exhibition, boasting 157 wins, 24 losses, and an impressive 87 knockouts. His last official fight was in June 2015, according to ESPN. Nicknamed “Iron Mike,” Zambidis is a decorated kickboxer with 18 world titles to his name, a distinction that Mayweather acknowledged when announcing the fight.
A History of Exhibition Bouts for Mayweather
This exhibition fight against Zambidis is not an isolated event for Mayweather. Since retiring from professional boxing after defeating Conor McGregor in 2017 with a record of 50-0, he has participated in a series of exhibition bouts. These have included fights against influencer Logan Paul, kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, former sparring partner Don Moore, MMA fighter Mikuru Asakura, KSI’s brother Deji, reality TV star Aaron Chalmers, and twice against John Gotti III, the grandson of the Mafia boss. These exhibitions have allowed Mayweather to remain in the public eye and continue earning revenue, albeit under different rules than professional boxing.
The choice of Zambidis as an opponent continues this trend of Mayweather facing athletes from different combat sports backgrounds. TalkSport highlights Mayweather’s appetite for these crossover fights, suggesting a growing trend within the combat sports world.
Pacquiao-Mayweather Rematch: A Return to the Biggest Stage
The rematch with Manny Pacquiao is the main event that fans are eagerly anticipating. Their first fight in 2015 was highly publicized but ultimately fell short of expectations for many, with Mayweather winning a unanimous decision. The Sphere in Las Vegas, a state-of-the-art venue known for its immersive visual and audio experiences, will provide a spectacular backdrop for the second chapter of this rivalry. The fight being broadcast live on Netflix will further expand its reach to a global audience.
Pacquiao, now 47, remains a formidable opponent despite his age. His speed, power, and relentless attacking style have made him one of the most exciting boxers of his generation. The rematch offers Pacquiao a chance to avenge his previous loss to Mayweather and potentially disrupt the American’s perfect record.
Other Potential Fights for Mayweather
Beyond the fights with Zambidis and Pacquiao, Mayweather has too been linked to a potential exhibition bout with fellow boxing legend Mike Tyson. Although this fight has yet to be formally announced, reports suggest it could take place in April in the Democratic Republic of Congo. ESPN notes that this contest remains unconfirmed as of March 2, 2026.
Mayweather’s continued involvement in exhibition fights and potential rematches demonstrates his enduring appeal and his ability to generate significant interest in the world of boxing. His strategic approach to selecting opponents, often from different combat sports disciplines, adds an element of intrigue to his fights and attracts a diverse audience.
Looking Ahead: Mayweather’s Schedule and the Future of Exhibition Boxing
The schedule for Floyd Mayweather in 2026 is shaping up to be busy. First, he will face Mike Zambidis in Athens, Greece, in June. This will be followed by the highly anticipated rematch with Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas on September 19th. The potential fight with Mike Tyson remains a possibility, although its status is currently uncertain.
The increasing popularity of exhibition fights raises questions about the future of the sport. While these bouts do not carry the same weight as professional contests, they offer fans a chance to see their favorite fighters compete in a less formal setting. They also provide opportunities for fighters to earn significant income and maintain their relevance in the boxing world.
The success of Mayweather’s exhibition fights and the upcoming Pacquiao rematch could pave the way for more crossover events and further blur the lines between different combat sports. As long as there is fan interest and financial incentives, exhibition boxing is likely to remain a prominent part of the combat sports landscape.
Key Takeaways:
- Floyd Mayweather will fight Mike Zambidis in an exhibition bout in June 2026 as preparation for his rematch with Manny Pacquiao.
- The Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch is scheduled for September 19, 2026, at the Sphere in Las Vegas and will be broadcast live on Netflix.
- Mayweather has been actively participating in exhibition fights since retiring from professional boxing in 2017.
- A potential exhibition fight between Mayweather and Mike Tyson is reportedly being considered, but remains unconfirmed.
The next major event to watch for is the exhibition fight between Floyd Mayweather and Mike Zambidis in Athens this June. Fans and analysts alike will be closely observing Mayweather’s performance as he prepares for the highly anticipated rematch with Manny Pacquiao. Share your thoughts on these upcoming fights in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow boxing enthusiasts!