TWO of boxing’s most recognisable figures, Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr, have reportedly agreed on a date and venue for a long-anticipated exhibition bout, with the contest scheduled to take place in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, on 25 April.
Reuters cited on Tuesday that the choice of venue is rich in symbolism.
The country, formerly known as Zaire, hosted the iconic 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle”, where Muhammad Ali defeated George Foreman to reclaim the world heavyweight title in one of the sport’s most celebrated contests.
Tyson, 59, owns a professional record of 50 wins, seven defeats and two no contests. He last appeared in the ring against Jake Paul on 15 November 2024 in a Netflix-broadcast event, losing by unanimous decision after eight rounds.
The former undisputed heavyweight champion has not recorded a victory since defeating Clifford Etienne on 22 February 2003.
Mayweather, 48, retired with a flawless 50-0 professional record following his victory over mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor in August 2017.
Since then, he has participated in a series of exhibition contests, the most recent against John Gotti III on 24 August 2024. The forthcoming clash with Tyson would mark his ninth exhibition appearance.
The proposed meeting between the two former world champions was first announced in September 2025, although details were initially sparse.
Uncertainty resurfaced when Mayweather’s exhibition bout against Mike Zambidis was confirmed for 27 June in Athens, Greece, casting doubt over whether the Tyson contest would proceed.
However, Tyson moved to dispel speculation last week.
“Yes, it is definitely going to happen,” he told TMZ. “Do you think I would pass up that opportunity? I am simply focused on my own business — he is the one who challenged me!” - February 17, 2026
